Research opportunities into horticulture and green open space management in the Middle East

Horticulture has long been recognized as a source of fresh and processed food and drink as well as a source of clothing, building materials, dyes, perfumes, medicines and pharmaceutical products. Horticulture also offers services associated with landscape restoration, landscape design, construction and maintenance, conserving plant biodiversity, vegetation regeneration, and the management of a number of green open space facilities, all of which provide a range of environmental, social, economic and health benefits that enhance the liveability and livelihood of a region and improve the quality of life of its residents and the wider community. Green open space has been the conduit in measuring and delivering many of these benefits with green open space management the means of managing these urban green open spaces. The modality of horticulture has been used to suggest some green research opportunities that should improve the environmental, economic, social and human health of these spaces through sustainable management.