Oxford Journals Online

The article explores the contributions of urban green and blue infrastructure (UGBI) and nature-based solutions (NbS) to enhance human and ecological well-being and health in urban areas. It delves into the concepts of UGBI and NbS, highlighting their importance in creating sustainable and liveable cities. We consider UGBI natural elements in the urban environment, grouped into different typologies. NbS are considered solutions, or actions, to promote environmental and human health based on the use of UGBI. The assessment was done under the umbrella of human and ecosystem health, linking well-being dimensions from the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services—freedom of choice, social relations, mental health, physical health, food security and physical security—with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, showing a link with 12 of the 15 goals. The article presents non-exhaustive lists of UGBI types and NbS actions linked to well-being dimensions. We assess ecosystem services provided by GBI and NbS and the implications of incorporating these solutions in urban environments for human and ecosystem health and the future of healthy and liveable cities.

Drawing from a series of interviews with senior police officers, Ministry officials and local government officers, this article examines policing change in post-Soviet Lithuania. Its particular focus is the policing of public order, and to this end it refers to the policing of a number of events both during the early transition phase and the present. Initially, the militia system of policing is outlined, before considering some of the obstacles facing the move towards democratic policing. The article then compares the early police reform proposals with the realities of the present. It concludes by arguing that whilst the police have made significant moves towards de-politicisation, they are still heavily centralised. Further, the de-militarisation process has recently taken the form of para-militarisation. Finally, it is suggested that the policing of protest generally operates on a formal ‘law and order’ ethos, rather than a more flexible and discretionary basis.