Evaluating Nature-Positive Urban Renewal Green Infrastructure Projects in Addis Ababa: A Multi-Dimensional Approach Using the Urban Nature Futures Framework

Rapid urbanization in the Global South poses challenges to ecological integrity,
cultural heritage, and equitable access to green infrastructure. This study evaluates the
effectiveness of recent green infrastructure projects in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, including
flagship parks and upgraded road corridors, through the lens of the Urban Nature Futures
Framework (UNFF). To operationalize the UNFF’s three perspectives—Nature for Nature
(NN), Nature for Society (NS), and Nature as Culture (NC)—a context-specific set of indicators
was developed through the existing literature, global assessment frameworks, and
stakeholder consultations. A mixed-methods approach, combining structured surveys with
both qualitative and quantitative thematic analysis, was applied across four stakeholder
groups: residents, park visitors, corridor users, and experts. The results indicate that while
social benefits (NS) are widely recognized, ecological (NN) and cultural (NC) dimensions
receive comparatively less emphasis. Regression analysis shows that education, employment,
and green space use frequency significantly shape perceptions of NS and NC, while
NN are more consistently shared across groups. This study demonstrates the practical
value of the UNFF as an assessment tool and offers a replicable methodology for evaluating
multifunctional green infrastructure. The findings underscore the need for more inclusive,
biodiversity-positive, and culturally grounded urban renewal strategies. These insights
are relevant for planners and policymakers aiming to foster equitable and resilient urban
environments in rapidly growing cities.