City Governance Policies for Sustainable Green Open Space Utilization to Alleviate Poverty in Banda Aceh

Abstract

Urban governance policies play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development, particularly through the strategic utilization of Green Open Space (GOS). This study explores how GOS can be utilized not only for its ecological functions but also as an inclusive and productive public space that directly contributes to poverty reduction in Banda Aceh City. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) as its primary theoretical foundation, this study employed qualitative methods supported by NVivo 12 Plus analysis. The study findings revealed that GOS utilization in Banda Aceh is dominated by sports facilities (38%) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) (30%), demonstrating their dual role in supporting physical well-being and economic activities. However, community participation remains limited, and the ecological and educational functions of GOS are underutilized. The integration of GOS with the five capitals in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) namely natural, physical, human, social, and financial capital has demonstrated great potential in supporting sustainable development in Banda Aceh City, particularly in supporting community livelihoods and poverty reduction. This study contributes to SDGs 1, 11, and 13 through the utilization of inclusive green open spaces (RTH) that empower MSMEs, encourage spatial equity, and improve ecological functions.