The Role of Small Green Initiatives and Socio-spatial Dynamics in Crime Prevention in Lower-income Neighborhoods: A Case Study in Medellin.

Abstract

This study examines the role of small green interventions in enhancing neighborhood safety and well-being within a lower-income community in Medellin, Colombia. By exploring the socio-spatial dynamics at play, we analyze how green infrastructure, together with community engagement, influences residents’ perceptions of safety and fosters social cohesion. The contribution of the physical environment in crime control is explored by examining aspects derived from widely applied theories such as the Defensible Space and Busy Streets. This research employs a mixed-methods approach that includes interviews, surveys, spatial data, and ecological assessments. Findings suggest that small-scale green initiatives empower residents, strengthen communal bonds, and enhance emotional connection with nature, contributing to crime prevention and improved community relations. Key contributions of this study offer insights into community-based environmental strategies that can serve as crime deterrents, relevant for urban planners and policymakers aiming to implement sustainable and inclusive green spaces in urban settings.