Programa de mejoramiento de la distribución de áreas verdes y coberturas vegetales a partir del análisis y correlación de estratos socioeconómicos de la localidad de Usaquén

Abstract

This research proposes measures to improve the inequitable distribution of green areas and vegetation covers in the socioeconomic strata with the lowest proportion of these areas in the locality of Usaquén. It considers the fact that, generally, there is a low culture of appropriation and care for green areas in the city of Bogotá, which leads to these spaces being perceived as security risks that foster crime. As a starting point, an analysis was conducted on the availability of green areas and vegetation covers and their correlation with socioeconomic strata through a detailed cartographic analysis at the block level to identify the distribution of areas by socioeconomic strata. The methodology includes a descriptive analysis to visualize the spatial distribution of the variables, an exploratory analysis to detect possible associations or correlations between them, and an inferential analysis to test hypotheses using statistical tests or spatial models. ArcGIS Pro software was used to perform a cartographic analysis that allows the comparison of green areas and vegetation covers with economic indicators of the locality, identifying correlations and spatial patterns. Additionally, a proximity analysis was conducted to determine the distance between parks and households of different socioeconomic strata. Following this, a diagnosis of the well-being perception of Usaquén’s residents regarding the enjoyment of green areas and vegetation covers was carried out by applying a survey with open-ended questions to 100 people aged between 28 and 60 years. Based on the collected information, the study: i) characterized the target population, ii) identified different opinions related to the sense of well-being, mood improvement, stress level reduction, tranquility, and satisfaction from the enjoyment of green areas and vegetation covers, and iii) analyzed opportunities for social interaction. The results show that Stratum 1 has 5 parks, but they are small, averaging 0.5 hectares each, limiting their ability to offer significant ecosystem benefits to the population of 11,000 inhabitants. In Stratum 2, there are 11 parks, also small, averaging 0.6 hectares, serving a population of approximately 13,000 people. As one moves toward Stratum 3, the situation slightly improves, with 12 parks averaging 0.8 hectares, serving a population of 24,000 inhabitants. However, the density of parks is still insufficient to meet the population’s needs. Stratum 4 has 10 parks, with an average size of 1.2 hectares, serving a population of 16,000 people, indicating a slight improvement in the availability of green spaces. In Stratum 5, although there are only 3 parks, their average size is 5 hectares, providing better access to green areas for a population of 17,000 inhabitants. Finally, Stratum 6, which has 9 parks, also has an average size of 1.5 hectares, serving a population of 19,000 people. Therefore, it is concluded that, although the lower strata have a greater number of parks, these are smaller in size and quality, limiting their effectiveness in providing ecosystem services. In contrast, the higher strata, although they have fewer parks, enjoy larger and better-maintained spaces, contributing to a better quality of life for their inhabitants. This disparity highlights the inequality in access to green areas in the locality of Usaquén. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed to assess the internal and external characteristics of the respondents' perceptions through a SWOT matrix (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), which evaluated Usaquén's capacity to define projects that counteract threats and weaknesses and enhance the identified strengths and opportunities. Finally, it was concluded that the social and environmental appropriation of the territory, as well as the greening and adaptation of green areas and vegetation covers, can consolidate impactful strategies that maximize the enjoyment of these areas. This contributes to mitigating unequal distribution, improving the quality of green areas and vegetation covers, and increasing community participation in the care and preservation of Usaquén’s natural resources.