Ethical dimensions in urban open space governance and management

Ethical concerns are a fundamental part of human life and activities, which shape the environment for human and non-human species. This chapter addresses the significance of an ethical perspective concerning urban open space (UOS) and its related practices, including governance and management. It describes the role of ethics in landscape professions and in principles from environmental ethics and landscape justice. Thereafter, selected approaches, examples and trends of ethical aspects with relevance for UOS are outlined, from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to norm-critical approaches and new forms of stewardship. Finally, the relevance and importance of ethical concerns in work with UOSs and for associated professional roles are discussed.