Objective Community blue and green space (BGS), such as parks, greenways, and pocket parks, are vital components of urban living environments, providing residents with opportunities to experience nature and benefit from ecosystem services (ES). This research aims to explore the main factors influencing the supply and demand of ES in community BGS, identify research hotspots and methodologies, and develop a supply – demand evaluation framework to enhance the effectiveness of ES in these spaces.

Methods A comprehensive literature review is conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, with a focus on research published between 2010 and 2023. Keywords include ES types relevant to community scales, community BGS types, and element characteristics. Upon exclusion of unrelated research, 455 papers are finally selected. Citespace software is employed for bibliometric and hotspot analyses. Additionally, 62 empirical case studies closely related to community BGS are systematically reviewed to extract key factors influencing the supply and demand of various ES types, with a focus on quantification methods and significant influences. The supply – demand relationship is evaluated from the two perspectives of supply – demand level and effectiveness, based on which a cascading research framework aimed at achieving supply – demand matching goals is developed.

Results The analysis reveals a global increase in research on community BGS and ES since 2012, with significant growth after 2017, reflecting a growing interest in optimizing ES in urban communities. Research hotspots vary by region. In China, research focuses on spatial distribution equity and residents’ health and well-being, emphasizing BGS layout optimization. In the United States, research emphasizes environmental justice and the impact of built environments on ES, mainly aiming to explore relationships between socioeconomic factors and the supply and demand of community green space. European countries concentrate on urban green spaces and biodiversity conservation, while Australia and Canada focus on sustainable urban planning and BGS management. Different types of community BGS exhibit varying research emphases on ES. Community parks and green spaces are the most popular research subjects, particularly concerning cultural services like recreation and social interaction. Research on support and regulatory services often focuses on linear green spaces, vertical greening, and vegetation elements, utilizing ecological modeling methods (e.g., ENVI-met, SWMM) for supply quantification. Key findings indicate that the supply side of ES is primarily influenced by biophysical characteristics such as the area, type, and structure of vegetation, and the availability and quality of physical spaces. Larger and higher-quality green spaces and the presence of water bodies can enhance ES provision. Cultural services are additionally influenced by accessibility factors, including vegetation type, park facility distribution, and microclimate conditions. On the demand side, objective demand is influenced by demographic and socioeconomic factors like population size and density, GDP per capita, and points of interest (POI) density. Subjective demand, especially for cultural services, is shaped by residents’ activity patterns, travel characteristics, personal preferences, and satisfaction levels. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, income, occupation, and education level affect subjective preferences and perceived needs. The supply – demand cascading research framework developed in this research emphasizes the connection between the biophysical attributes of supply spaces and the socioeconomic attributes of demand spaces. This framework facilitates the identification and evaluation of supply – demand mismatches, guiding the optimization of resource allocation and spatial utilization in community BGS. By applying this framework, areas with high demand but low supply can be targeted for improvements, thus enhancing ES provision where it is most needed. Conversely, areas with excess supply can be managed strategically for future development and community enhancement, thus ensuring efficient resource allocation and maximizing benefits for residents.

Conclusion The findings provide valuable insights for systematically studying the supply – demand relationship of ES in community BGS. The proposed framework offers a scientific basis for optimizing resource allocation and spatial efficiency, which can contribute to the construction of sustainable community environments and the improvement of residents’ quality of life. Future research should focus on identifying and evaluating the fragmented characteristics of community BGS, especially in urban areas with high spatial heterogeneity; exploring the diverse needs of different population groups within communities by considering demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and cultural preferences; and evaluating supply – demand effectiveness at micro and meso scales by integrating multiple data sources and employing advanced analytical methods. Moreover, participatory approaches are important in understanding and meeting residents’ needs. Engaging community members in BGS planning and management can ensure the alignment of services with their preferences, thereby enhancing their well-being. This collaborative approach can help build more sustainable and resilient communities, thus maximizing ES benefits and mitigating the negative impacts of urbanization. In conclusion, this research provides a robust framework for evaluating and improving the supply – demand dynamics of ES in community BGS. The insights gained can guide policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders in making informed decisions that promote sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for urban residents. Continuous improvement of ES in community BGS will contribute significantly to achieving broader urban sustainability goals and creating livable, healthy, and vibrant communities.