The rapid urbanization of cities has led to densely constructed environments that create significant challenges for municipalities in integrating urban greenery. The absence of urban greenery negatively impacts climate-related issues such as increased temperatures, poor air quality, and biodiversity loss, while also diminishing residents' quality of life. As urban greenery is essential for healthier and more sustainable cities, this thesis addresses the complex decision-making processes municipalities face in implementing urban greenery, focusing on small projects in densely developed urban areas. This leads to the following research question: “How can municipalities effectively overcome the challenges encountered in the decision-making process for implementing urban greenery?”

A qualitative research approach was conducted, consisting of a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews. The literature review analyzed articles to identify theoretical barriers and enablers, while the interviews with employees from five Dutch cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven) provided practical insights into the real-world challenges municipalities encounter. A thematic analysis categorized 182 barriers into 36 types and 110 enablers into 44 types.

The key barriers identified in this research are ‘Fragmentation in coordination and responsibilities’, ‘Lack of funding’, and ‘Limited space allocation.’ The most identified enablers are ‘Community engagement’, ‘Raising awareness’, and ‘Car restraint policies.’ Findings indicate that the high interconnectedness among barriers and enablers complicates the development of clear mitigation strategies, emphasizing the need for municipalities to adopt flexible, context-specific approaches. The interconnectedness also makes it challenging for municipalities to decide where to start. To address this, the identification framework for barriers and enablers provides a structured approach that enhances awareness and guides more effective decision-making.

Key recommendations for future research include assessing the relevance of the findings in smaller or non-European cities, exploring urban greenery on private land through partnerships, and incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives beyond municipal employees. Additionally, future studies could focus on strategies to address the barrier ‘Fragmentation in coordination and responsibilities’ or validate the effectiveness of the proposed identification framework.

In conclusion, municipalities face unique and complex challenges in urban greenery implementation, and there is no general solution. Tailored strategies, enhanced collaboration, increased awareness, and the use of an identification framework for barriers and enablers can help municipalities to implement successful and sustainable urban greenery projects, contributing to climate resilience and improving the quality of life in urban areas.