Small urban green spaces, or pocket parks, are increasingly pivotal to environmental justice within rapidly densifying cities, yet their design shortcomings can perpetuate inequalities for marginalised populations. This study conducts a scoping review of 120 peer-reviewed articles (2015–2024) to elucidate how specific physical design elements influence equitable access for children, older adults, disabled people, and ethnic minorities. Guided by PRISMA protocols, we extracted quantitative evidence on accessibility barriers, spatial metrics, and sociodemographic correlates. Five interrelated equity dimensions emerged: spatial distribution, socioeconomic status, housing price, park quality, and demographic change. Evidence shows that inadequate entrance design, poor lighting, and deficient furniture compound locational disadvantage, diminishing perceived safety and willingness to visit. Conversely, well-maintained pocket parks within a 400-metre walk can offset broader green-space deficits, foster social cohesion, and deliver co-benefits for local climate-mitigation efforts. We synthesise these insights into a practitioner-oriented framework linking distributive and procedural justice to micro-scale design decisions. The framework equips planners and policymakers to create inclusive, resilient pocket parks that advance Sustainable Development Goals on health, equality, and urban well-being while maximising biodiversity and long-term public value.

Landscape connectivity is a key element in biodiversity conservation and illustrates one of the major factors to consider in the spatial organization of protected areas network

Ecological connectivity is a key element in biodiversity conservation and the spatial organization of protected areas. In response to environmental disasters, policy frameworks such as the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the European Green Deal, the Nature Restoration Law, the European Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, and the Urban Agenda for the EU support on-the-ground actions such as ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation to improve best practices. Despite the availability of indicators and discussions for measuring successful activities, real-world assessments have failed to be consistent. This highlights the gap between planning and expected results. Integrating scientific research with the regulatory initiatives, particularly those supported by ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), addresses persistent gaps in Italian planning guidelines (implementing Action 1.3.B of the National Biodiversity Strategy). This study explores the LIFE projects that have been completed in Italy through a mixed-method analysis within the LIFE programme database. This analysis explores specific keywords that have an impact on connectivity and planning actions that contribute to the development of coherent urban landscapes, where habitats and biodiversity can be restored, and the ecological quality improved. The expected outcomes can promote healthy environments within urban and peri-urban areas.