Framing urban greening initiatives – Green infrastructure for low-income residents in Hermosillo, Mexico

Keywords: Green infrastructure; urban science; urban resilience; Latin American cities
Session Type: Virtual Guided Poster Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 33

Abstract

Green infrastructure (GI) is increasingly promoted to curb the impacts of urbanization and enhance resilience. Latin American cities are experiencing rapid population growth and urban expansion, with urgent demand for GI interventions that enhance resilience and justice. In this study, we draw from urban science theory to examine an interdisciplinary effort that integrated soil studies (biological environment) with landscape design for a park (built environment) in a periurban area of Hermosillo, Mexico. We engaged city officials (political environment) in the park design process to mitigate flooding, while providing recreational opportunities to low-income residents. The site is part of a greenbelt planned for the city with the ideal soil characteristics for infiltration. However, over the course of the project, bottom-up initiatives were informally implemented to fulfill the recreational needs of the communities. Housing marketing interests drove developers to create “sport fields” by clearing up the land, leveling the desert landscape, destroying riparian habitat, and compacting the soils. The site has become a dumpsite and camping ground during sport events. Findings demonstrate the need to expedite the design/planning of GI and its implementation in rapidly growing cities. But it is crucial to frame greening initiatives to include not only the built, biological, and political environments, but also the market, business, and social environments. Engaging the adjacent communities in the planning of GI may prevent the destruction of the natural landscape. A partnership with the private sector (developers), becomes critical to coordinate efforts that can result in more resilient and sustainable outcomes.