Indicators to evaluate the environmental quality of urban green spaces

Abstract

Urban green spaces are recognized as generating benefits for the population. These are key to meeting goal 11, of sustainable cities and communities for Sustainable Development, proposed by the United Nations Program to be achieved by 2030. That is why knowing their state is of interest on the road to sustainability. This work aims to apply indicators to assess the environmental quality of a park in the city of Bahía Blanca. For this, the Green Flag Award certification methodology was applied, where eight axes linked to the comprehensive analysis of these areas were considered: place of welcome and accessibility; health, safety and protection; cleaning and maintenance; diagnosis and management of plant biodiversity; environmental impact management; community involvement; promotion of the park and implementation of a management plan. In turn, each of these axes were divided into variables and criteria that were evaluated qualitatively. The information was obtained from different sources such as field work, interviews with key informants, newspaper clippings and social networks. As a result, it can be verified that the quality of this park is regular and it is necessary to deepen its management.