Green belt implementation in arid regions: The case of Hermosillo, Mexico
Topics:
Keywords: urban sprawl, green belt, green infrastructure, urban resilience, environmental justice, peri-urban, arid regions
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract
Authors:
Adriana Zuniga-Teran, University of Arizona
Blanca González-Méndez, National Autonomous University of Mexico
Christina Scarpitti, University of Arizona
Bo Yang, University of Arizona
Joaquin Murrieta, Borderlands Restoration Network
Irene Pineda, University of Arizona
Guadalupe Peñúñuri,
Eduardo Hinojosa Robles7,
Kassandra Soto Irineo,
Sergio Müller,
Abstract
Green belts are an urban planning approach meant to address urban sprawl and enhance resilience. Many Latin American cities located in arid regions would benefit from the green belt; however, little is known about the factors that determine green belt implementation in these regions. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by examining the case of Hermosillo, Mexico, a rapidly-growing city located in a desert environment with an envisioned green belt. A cross-disciplinary team worked with city officials and NGOs to implement a portion of the green belt by identifying suitable soils to locate and design a park within strategic segments of the green belt. However, rapid urbanization and the urgent need for recreational spaces led to the destruction of the landscape. A reflection on lessons learned stress the need for engagement with local communities and real estate developers to integrate social needs and market forces into the planning process for effective green belt implementation. Recommendations include a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, with efforts centered around housing development that provides the needed infrastructure and public space and is fully integrated to the rest of the city. For cities in arid regions, it becomes critical to adopt soft-path approaches for water resources management, assessment of soil conditions, and reconditioning of poor or polluted soils. To maintain the ecological functions of the protected land, efforts must be accompanied by policies that support the vision for the green belt, means to regulate gentrification, and resources allocated for enforcement.
Green belt implementation in arid regions: The case of Hermosillo, Mexico
Category
Paper Abstract