Balancing Environmental Protection with Social Cohesion and Community Well-being in the City of Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America (USA): Case in Sustainable Urban Greenspace Management

Abstract. Urban greenspaces are vital to achieving sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. This study evaluates greenspace trends, accessibility, quality, and socio-environmental benefits in Monroe, Louisiana, from 2015 to 2025 using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Results reveal a decline of 8.5% in greenspace, reducing from 43.47 km² to 39.75 km², while developed areas increased by 21%. Notably, 6.83 km² of urban land was reclaimed into greenspaces, but this gain was overshadowed by the loss of 10.74 km² of greenspaces to urban development. A composite Well-Being Index, measured on a scale from 0 to 1, along with Social Cohesion Indicators, revealed significant spatial disparities, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, where greenspace quality and access were lower. These findings underscore the urgency of adopting inclusive and spatially targeted planning approaches that integrate environmental resilience with community well-being.