Mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries in northern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Mosquitoes inhabiting urban green spaces and cemeteries in Europe represent a crucial facet of public health concern and contribute to the ecological balance. As urbanization intensifies, these areas increasingly serve as vital habitats for various mosquito species, fostering breeding grounds and increasing the risk of disease transmission. METHODS: A study was conducted in the three main cities (inland, coastal, and estuarine) of the Basque Country, northern Spain, to investigate the species composition, abundance, dynamic populations, larval habitats, and host preferences of mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries. CDC traps and dipping were used to collect mosquitoes for 2 years (2019-2020). RESULTS: A total of 21 mosquito species were identified, with Culex pipiens s.l. being the most abundant and widespread. The three ecological forms of Cx. pipiens were found, and Cx. pipiens pipiens was the most common in both green areas and cemeteries. Morphological identification together with molecular tools identified 65 COI sequences with high homology. The highest species richness was found in the inland city, followed by the coastal city and the estuarine city. Mosquito abundance was significantly higher in green areas compared to cemeteries and in the coastal and estuarine cities compared to the inland city. The investigation of larval breeding sites highlighted the dominance of Cx. pipiens s.l., particularly in semi-artificial ponds, diverse water-holding containers (tyres and buckets) and drainage systems in green areas; in cemeteries, most of the larvae were found in flowerpots and funerary urns. Seasonal activity exhibited variable peaks in mosquito abundance in the different cities, with a notable increase in July or August. Additionally, blood meal analysis revealed that Cx. pipiens s.l. fed on several common urban avian species. CONCLUSIONS: Studies on mosquitoes are essential to understand their role in disease transmission and to design targeted and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the associated risks.

Living on the edge: urban fireflies (Coleoptera, Lampyridae) in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.

Fireflies (Coleoptera, Lampyridae) are a globally threatened group of insects due to habitat loss and fragmentation, light pollution, climate change and pesticides. However, against all odds, some firefly populations persist in urbanized environments where all four of these factors are present simultaneously. In this work, we compiled several data sources to document the diversity of fireflies in the urbanized area of Morelia, characterize their current habitats, and determine the main stressors affecting these bioluminescent insects. We found seven genera and 26 species of fireflies (19 nocturnal, seven diurnal) associated with 32 urban, peri-urban and extra-urban areas; at least, 14 are new records for Michoacán, and the list for the state now includes nine genera and 41 species. Five additional sites were documented as extinction sites. We compared the characteristics of these five sites with those of the sites with extant populations. We found that in Morelia, fireflies are mainly associated with areas that have high to moderate proportions of vegetation cover, are near water bodies, have very gentle to moderate slopes, and are exposed to low levels of light pollution. In contrast, the extinction sites showed high proportions of artificial surfaces and high levels of light pollution. Because some fireflies are considered bioindicators of ecosystem integrity as they are associated to specific habitats, are highly diverse and due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, we consider that sites from Morelia's urban core and extinction sites show the highest levels of environmental degradation, threatening most fireflies and other insects living in the urban core with local extinction. At the same time, our results also suggest that implementing conservation strategies and sustainable planning for the urban development of Morelia in the short term could allow fireflies and other vital elements of the city's insect communities to persist for future generations. Restoration and conservation of green areas and nighttime environments are essential for biodiversity and human health, especially in intra-urban zones.

Cross-School Collaboration to Develop and Implement Self-Construction Greening Systems for Schools.

The positive effects of green infrastructure in the urban environment are nowadays widely known and proven by research. Yet, greening, which serves to improve the indoor climate and people's well-being, is integrated very limited in public facilities such as schools. Reasons for this are seen in a lack of knowledge and financing opportunities. A focus, among others, of the MehrGrüneSchulen research project is the interdisciplinary development of cost-effective greening solutions for schools. The designs were developed in close collaboration with students of a technical college (HTL) and a horticultural school. This study describes the development process and presents the results of the first implementations of greening systems at the HTL-building complex and at nine other schools in Austria.

COVID-19 epidemic spread and green areas Italy and Spain between 2020 and 2021: An observational multi-country retrospective study.

Several studies have proposed that environmental factors influencing human wellbeing, such as chronic exposures to high levels of particulate matter, could indirectly or even directly affect also the severity of COVID-19 disease in case of infection by novel coronavirus SARS-COV2. This study has investigated the association between COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations or deaths and the extension of public green areas (km2 per 100,000 based on OECD data of 2014), an indicator that has been chosen as independent endpoint variable to test the research hypothesis in 10 Italian and 8 Spanish Provinces with more than 500.000 inhabitants, including capitals (Rome and Madrid) and bigger cities (Bologna, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Turin and Venice for Italy; Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Malaga, Las Palmas and Bilbao for Spain). Two different methodologies have been applied: a bottom-up approach was applied to Spanish institutional data concerning contagions/hospitalizations/deaths and the extent of public green areas for each responder to an official questionnaire in the frame of a nationwide survey (with detailed data granularity per province) containing specific georeferenced information; a top-down approach was used for Italy, starting from the official figures of contagions/hospitalizations/deaths of each province and linking them to the OECD statistics about the extension of public green areas in the different areas. Linear and generalized models were used for statistical analyses including also PM2.5 in a multivariate approach (with annual average concentrations from official air quality monitoring stations) and were able to adjust for the different number inhabitants living in each province, in order to take into account the difference in contagion dynamics related to the different density of population. The results obtained for Spain are consistent with those observed for Italy, as for both countries, it has clearly emerged a statistically significant association between COVID-19 clinical features (contagions, hospitalizations, and deaths) and the extension of public green areas, as well as the annual average concentrations of PM2.5 (with this latter variable loosing statistical significance in some province). Therefore, the extension of public green areas and air pollution seem to have a high correlation with COVID-19 severity.

Experience Them, Love Them, Protect Them-Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed People's Perception of Urban and Suburban Green Spaces and Their Conservation Targets?

Public green and open spaces fulfil various social, ecological, economic, and aesthetic roles, which can be complementary while also competing with one another. The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed multiple societal changes, including citizens' perception, needs and expectations relating to urban green spaces. This article discusses the extent to which the temporally and geographically changed patterns of experiencing these natural spaces also influenced users' perception and behaviour as well as their appreciation of the conservation areas. The study is based upon two surveys carried out in the greater metropolitan region of Vienna, the capital city of Austria. A quantitative survey (representative online panel) among Viennese population (n = 1012), as well as qualitive interviews with experts responsible for conservation areas, administrators of federal parks, along with NGOs representatives were carried out in spring and summer 2021. Our study shows changed perception of urban citizens towards green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. An increased importance of time spent in nature (68%) and possibility to visit large green areas (67%) was reported by Viennese citizens. Also, higher recognition of green spaces located close to home was observed among 69% of the respondents. There were significant differences in opinions on green areas during the pandemic in various age and gender groups. Thus, the presented study contributes to the ongoing international discussion on the transition of societal needs and its effects on urban green spaces induced by the pandemic. Presented results highlight the need of urgent transformation towards a more sustainable, resilient and healthy urban space. Graphical abstract.

Not all types of nature have an equal effect on urban residents' well-being: A structural equation model approach.

A growing amount of research shows a positive association between urban nature and urban residents' psychological and physical well-being and quality of life. With its focus on specific dimensions of well-being and reliance either on large-scale objective data sets or experimental and comparative designs, prior research does not explicitly address the relationships between the various types of urban nature as experienced by citizens and their overall well-being. The present research proposes a model for the potential influence of the perceptions of the type and characteristics of nature close to urban residences and citizens' well-being via their frequency of exposure to, and their activities in, nature. Using WHOQOL-26 as a measure of well-being and constructing or adapting measurements for the other variables, a questionnaire was designed and administered among a sample of 2500 French urban residents. Psychometric tests, structural equation modeling, and mediation analyses were conducted on the collected data. The results show that: (1) The perceived characteristics of nature near urban residences have both direct and indirect influences on the psychological, physical, environmental, and resources-related dimensions of citizens' well-being; (2) Less domesticated nature-forests, fields, and scrubland-contributes to psychological well-being by favoring light or calm activities in nature, and to physical well-being by supporting exposure to nature. Such wilder nature is also positively associated with the perceived quality of urban residences; (3) Small spots of nature, located close to one's residence-a balcony, a patio, or a roof garden-make a similar but smaller contribution to well-being; (4) Domesticated nature-city gardens and parks-contribute marginally to the physical and resources-related dimensions of well-being. These results complement past research on the perceived characteristics of nature by showing how nature, as experienced by urban citizens, refers to different vegetation spaces. They also invite urban planners and policymakers to acknowledge the positive association between "wilder" natural spaces and well-being.

The environmental enrichment model revisited: A translatable paradigm to study the stress of our modern lifestyle.

Mounting evidence shows that physical activity, social interaction and sensorimotor stimulation provided by environmental enrichment (EE) exert several neurobehavioural effects traditionally interpreted as enhancements relative to standard housing (SH) conditions. However, this evidence rather indicates that SH induces many deficits, which could be ameliorated by exposing animals to an environment vaguely mimicking some features of their wild habitat. Rearing rodents in social isolation (SI) can aggravate such deficits, which can be restored by SH or EE. It is not surprising, therefore, that most preclinical stress models have included severe and unnatural stressors to produce a stress response prominent enough to be distinguishable from SH or SI-frequently used as control groups. Although current stress models induce a stress-related phenotype, they may fail to represent the stress of our urban lifestyle characterized by SI, poor housing and working environments, sedentarism, obesity and limited access to recreational activities and exercise. In the following review, we discuss the stress of living in urban areas and how exposures to and performing activities in green environments are stress relievers. Based on the commonalities between human and animal EE, we discuss how models of housing conditions (e.g., SI-SH-EE) could be adapted to study the stress of our modern lifestyle. The housing conditions model might be easy to implement and replicate leading to more translational results. It may also contribute to accomplishing some ethical commitments by promoting the refinement of procedures to model stress, diminishing animal suffering, enhancing animal welfare and eventually reducing the number of experimental animals needed.

The urban contrast: A nationwide assessment of avian diversity in Mexican cities.

In this study we focused on urban bird diversity across Mexico, a megadiverse country, with a special focus on the relative role of urban greenspaces and heavily-built sites. We considered a country-wide approach, including 24 different sized Mexican cities. Our aims were to describe the urban bird diversity in focal cities and further assess the relationships between it and the biogeographic region where cities are located, their size, elevation, and annual rainfall. Additionally, we evaluated differences in the functional composition of bird communities in both studied urban scenarios (i.e., urban greenspaces, heavily-built sites). Our results confirm that urban greenspaces are home to a large proportion of species when contrasted with heavily-built sites. While total species richness and species richness of greenspaces were related with the cities' biogeographic region -with higher species richness in the Neotropical region and Transition Zone-, the relationship did not hold true in heavily-built sites. We found that annual rainfall was negatively related to bird richness in heavily-built sites, suggesting that species from arid systems can be more tolerant to urbanization. Regarding the bird functional group assessment, results show a clear differentiation between the functional groups of greenspaces and those of heavily-built sites, with granivores and omnivores associated with the latter and a highly diverse array of functional groups associated with urban greenspaces.

Plant-pollinator interactions in urban ecosystems worldwide: A comprehensive review including research funding and policy actions.

Urbanization has rapidly increased in recent decades and the negative effects on biodiversity have been widely reported. Urban green areas can contribute to improving human well-being, maintaining biodiversity, and ecosystem services (e.g. pollination). Here we examine the evolution of studies on plant-pollinator interactions in urban ecosystems worldwide, reviewing also research funding and policy actions. We documented a significant increase in the scientific production on the theme in recent years, especially in the temperate region; tropical urban ecosystems are still neglected. Plant-pollinator interactions are threatened by urbanization in complex ways, depending on the studied group (plant or pollinator [generalist or specialist]) and landscape characteristics. Several research opportunities emerge from our review. Research funding and policy actions to pollination/pollinator in urban ecosystems are still scarce and concentrated in developed countries/temperate regions. To make urban green spaces contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services, transdisciplinary approaches (ecological-social-economic-cultural) are needed.

Borboletas (Lepidoptera) frugívoras no bosque urbano do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo

The present study aims to analyze the community of frugivorous butterflies in an urban forest environment located at the Instituto Butantan. In comparison with other studies in urban fragments the community of frugivores of the Instituto Butantan has greater species richness, with 21 species. Hamadryas epinome is the most abundant species, and the subfamily Biblidinae representes the highest proportion in the community, possibly indicating environmental disturbance. Sampling took place between of September to December of 2018, during springtime.

O presente estudo visa analisar a comunidade de borboletas frugívoras em um ambiente de bosque urbano localizado no Instituto Butantan. Em comparação com outros estudos em fragmentos urbanos, a comunidade de frugívoras do Instituto Butantan apresenta maior riqueza de espécies, sendo encontradas 21 espécies. Hamadryas epinome é a espécie com maior abundância, e a subfamília Biblidinae a que apresenta maior proporção na comunidade, possivelmente indicando perturbação ambiental. O estudo faz uma amostragem dos meses de setembro a dezembro de 2018, durante a primavera.

Indicadores ambientales de áreas verdes urbanas para la gestión en dos ciudades de Costa Rica / Environmental indicators of urban green areas for management in two cities of Costa Rica

Resumen La calidad ambiental contribuye con el bienestar físico y mental de la población. En este sentido las áreas verdes (AV) de las ciudades son espacios esenciales para la convivencia, el deporte, la socialización, y la recreación, entre otros. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar las condiciones ambientales de las AV, utilizando indicadores como herramientas para la gestión urbana en dos ciudades de Costa Rica. El área de estudio correspondió a los distritos de Heredia y el Carmen, Costa Rica. Se determinaron las AV existentes utilizando imágenes satelitales Rapid Eye, 2012 mediante análisis espacial y teledetección. Se aplicaron 11 indicadores de áreas verdes urbanas, se identificó la especie, se midió la altura, el DAP y el número de árboles en parques y calles. Además, se realizaron encuestas a los usuarios de las AV públicas, en temas relacionados con accesibilidad y uso de las AV. Se identificaron cinco tipos de AV en el Carmen y seis Heredia. El porcentaje de áreas verdes públicas y privadas correspondió a 36 % y 64 % en el Carmen y 13 % y 87 % en Heredia, respectivamente. El área verde per cápita (m2/hab) fue de 24.6 en el Carmen y de 2.7 en Heredia. Se identificaron 62 especies de árboles en los parques del Carmen y 23 en Heredia. Se contabilizaron 1 105 árboles de 61 especies en las calles, aceras y avenidas del Carmen y 278 individuos de 47 especies en Heredia. En cuanto a la existencia de vegetación ribereña se determinó que los ríos Pirro, Burrio, Torres y la quebrada Negritos mantienen 82, 51, 81 y 14 % del área de protección de sus márgenes en uso conforme. De 11 AV públicas evaluadas, nueve presentaron una accesibilidad física alta. En ambos distritos los ciudadanos encuestados indicaron la necesidad de contar con más AV, resaltando el valor recreativo, ecológico y turístico de estos espacios. Se concluye que los indicadores de AV urbanas evidenciaron diferencias entre las condiciones ambientales en las dos ciudades evaluadas, y la factibilidad de su aplicación como insumo para la gestión ambiental sostenible de los ecosistemas urbanos.(AU)

Abstract Environmental quality contributes to the physical and mental well-being of the population. In this way, the green areas (GA) of the cities are essential spaces for coexistence, sports, socialization, and recreation, among others. The objective of this research was to determine the environmental conditions of green areas, using indicators as tool for urban management in two cities of Costa Rica. The study area corresponded to the districts of Heredia and Carmen, Costa Rica. The existing GA were determined using Rapid Eye satellite images, 2012 through spatial analysis and remote sensing. Eleven indicators of urban green areas were applied, the species was identified, the height, the diameter at breast height (DBH) and the number of trees in parks and streets were measured. In addition, surveys were conducted to users of public GA, on issues related to accessibility and use of GA. Five types of GA were identified in Carmen and six in Heredia. The percentage of public and private green areas corresponded to 36 % and 64 % in Carmen and 13 % and 87 % in Heredia respectively. The green area per capita (m2/hab) was 24.6 in Carmen and 2.7 in Heredia. Sixty-two species of trees were identified in the Carmen parks and 23 in Heredia. There were 1 105 trees of 61 species in the streets, sidewalks and avenues of Carmen and 278 individuals of 47 species in Heredia. Regarding the existence of riparian vegetation, it was determined that Pirro, Burrio, Torres and Negritos streams maintain 82, 51, 81 and 14 % of margin protection areas in conforming use. Eleven of the public GA's were evaluated, nine presented a high physical accessibility. In both districts, the surveyed citizens indicated the necessity to have more GA, highlighting the recreational, ecological and touristic value of these spaces. It is concluded that the indicators of urban green areas showed that there are differences between the environmental conditions in both of the evaluated cities. In addition, the applicability of the indicators is feasible as an input for the sustainable environmental management of urban ecosystems.(AU)

Mapeamento e distribuição de Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (LINNAEUS, 1766) nos parques públicos de Curitiba-PR / Mapping and distribution of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (LINNAEUS, 1766) in the public parks of Curitiba, Paraná / Mapeamiento y distribución de Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (LINNAEUS, 1766) en los parques públicos de Curitiba-PR

Tendo em vista a presença constante de capivaras em ambientes urbanos brasileiros, esse estudo desenvolveu-se com o objetivo de mapear a ocorrência e distribuição de Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris nas áreas verdes públicas da capital do estado do Paraná. No período de agosto de 2013 a julho de 2015 bosques e parques foram inspecionados em busca da presença e dos vestígios da espécie. Mapas de cobertura do solo das áreas de ocorrência foram confeccionados a partir de dados vetoriais e imagens de satélite, nesses foram plotados os registros de presença e vestígios. Realizaram-se também censos anuais nas áreas onde o mamífero foi visualizado. A partir disso, verificou-se que as capivaras utilizam 14 parques de Curitiba e, que em quatro desses a quantidade de animais é superior ao dos demais parques do município.(AU)

Due to the constant presence of capybaras in Brazilian urban environments, this study was developed with the objective of mapping the occurrence of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris in public green areas of the capital city of the state of Paraná. In the period from August 2013 to July 2015, forests and parks were inspected in search of the presence and evidence of the species. Soil cover maps of the areas of incidence were drawn from vector data and satellite images, in which the presence and trace records were plotted. Annual censuses were also carried out in the areas where the mammals were sighted. As a result, it could be verified that capybaras use 14 parks in Curitiba and that in four of them the number of animals is higher than in the other parks of the city.(AU)

En vista la presencia constante de carpinchos en ambientes urbanos brasileños, ese estudio se desarrolló con el objetivo de mapear la ocurrencia y distribución de Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris en áreas verdes públicas de la capital del estado de Paraná. En el período de agosto de 2013 a julio de 2015, bosques y parques fueron inspeccionados en busca de presencia y de vestigios de la especie. Mapas de cobertura del suelo de las áreas de ocurrencia fueron confeccionados a partir de datos vectoriales e imágenes de satélite, en los cuales fueron trazados los registros de presencia y vestigios. Se realizaron también censos anuales en las áreas donde el mamífero fue visualizado. A partir de eso, se verificó que los carpinchos utilizan 14 parques de Curitiba y que en cuatro de ellos la cantidad de animales es superior al de los demás parques del municipio.(AU)

Influence of Personal Factors on Sound Perception and Overall Experience in Urban Green Areas. A Case Study of a Cycling Path Highly Exposed to Road Traffic Noise.

In contemporary urban design, green public areas play a vital role. They have great societal value, but if exposed to undue environmental noise their restorative potential might be compromised. On the other hand, research has shown that the presence of greenery can moderate noise annoyance in areas with high sound levels, while personal factors are expected to play an important role too. A cycling path bordered by vegetation, but highly exposed to road traffic noise, was here considered as a case study. A sound perception survey was submitted to participants on site and they were subsequently sorted into groups according to their noise sensitivity, visual attention and attitude towards greenery. The aim of this study was testing whether these three personal factors could affect their noise perception and overall experience of the place. Results showed that people highly sensitive to noise and more sceptical towards greenery's potential as an environmental moderator reported worse soundscape quality, while visually attentive people reported better quality. These three personal factors were found to be statistically independent. This study shows that several person-related factors impact the assessment of the sound environment in green areas. Although the majority of the respondents benefit from the presence of visual green, policy-makers and planners should be aware that for a significant subset of the population, it should be accompanied by a tranquil soundscape to be fully appreciated.

Avaliação dos fatores associados ao uso de área verde em uma cidade brasileira: um estudo transversal / Assessment of the associated factors to the green area's attendance in a brazilian city: a cross-sectional study

As áreas verdes (AV) contribuem para a melhoria da qualidade de vida, podem reduzir temperaturas extremas, atenuar o ruído, reter poeira, aumentar a permeabilidade da área urbana, oferecendo um espaço agradável para a atividade física e de interação social, entre muitos outros benefícios. É um espaço que se comporta como um promotor da saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar quais variáveis estão associadas com o uso de AV em Mogi Mirim, SP. Foi realizado um estudo de base populacional, transversal, para verificar os valores das Razões de Chance (RC) de variáveis significativas associadas com a frequência de AV. Os dados foram coletados, por amostragem aleatória de residências, por meio de questionário estruturado a 262 adultos, no período entre fevereiro e agosto de 2012. A técnica utilizada foi a regressão logística para descrever a associação entre a variável dependente, o uso de AV pelo menos uma vez por semana e o conjunto de variáveis explanatórias. Dos entrevistados, 47% da amostra frequentam AV, pelo menos uma vez por semana. As variáveis que apresentaram associação positiva significativa com o uso de AV foram: ter um cão (RC = 1,88; IC 95%: 1,13-3,15) e, próprio jardim em casa (RC = 1,83; IC 95%:. 1,08-3,11 A variável que mostrou associação negativa significativa foi utilizar o ônibus como principal meio de transporte (RC = 0,51; IC 95%: 0,29 - 0,89. Esta pesquisa explorou e apresentou uma metodologia de pesquisa para avaliação das características socioeconômicas da população e possíveis associações com uso de AV. Assim, trata-se de um recurso relevante, pouco encontrado na literatura nacional, que deve ser reproduzido com o fim de estimular esta prática essencial de promoção à saúde.

Green areas (GA) contribute to improving the quality of life, can reduce temperature extremes, lessen the perception of noise, retain dust, and increase the permeability of the urban area, offering a nice space for physical activity and social interaction between many other benefits. It is a space that behaves as a promoter of health. The aim of this study was to evaluate which variables are associated with the GA attendance in Mogi Mirim, SP. It was conducted a crosssectional study to verify the values of the Odds Ratios of significant variables associated with the GA attendance. Data were collected by random sampling of households, through structured questionnaire to 262 adults, between February and August 2012. The technique applied was logistic regression to describe the association between the dependent variable, AV attendance at least once a week and the set of explanatory variables. Of the respondents, 47% of the sample attends GA, at least once a week. Variables that showed significant positive association with the GA use were: have a dog (OR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.13 ­ 3.15) and, own garden at home (OR = 1.83; 95%CI: 1.08 ­ 3.11. The variable that showed a significant negative association was use the bus as a primary means of transportation (OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.29 ­ 0.89. This research explored and presented a research methodology for assessing the socioeconomic characteristics of the population and possible associations with use of GA. Thus, it is an important resource, little found in the national literature, which must be replicated in order to stimulate this essential practice of health promotion.

Effect of land uses and wind direction on the contribution of local sources to airborne pollen.

The interpretation of airborne pollen levels in cities based on the contribution of the surrounding flora and vegetation is a useful tool to estimate airborne allergen concentrations and, consequently, to determine the allergy risk for local residents. This study examined the pollen spectrum in a city in central Spain (Guadalajara) and analysed the vegetation landscape and land uses within a radius of 20km in an attempt to identify and locate the origin of airborne pollen and to determine the effect of meteorological variables on pollen emission and dispersal. The results showed that local wind direction was largely responsible for changes in the concentrations of different airborne pollen types. The land uses contributing most to airborne pollen counts were urban green spaces, though only 0.1% of the total surface area studied, and broadleaved forest which covered 5% of the study area. These two types of land use together accounted for 70% of the airborne pollen. Crops, scrubland and pastureland, though covering 80% of the total surface area, contributed only 18.6% to the total pollen count, and this contribution mainly consisted of pollen from Olea and herbaceous plants, including Poaceae, Urticaceae and Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae. Pollen from ornamental species were mainly associated with easterly (Platanus), southerly (Cupressaceae) and westerly (Cupressaceae and Platanus) winds from the areas where the city's largest parks and gardens are located. Quercus pollen was mostly transported by winds blowing in from holm-oak stands on the eastern edge of the city. The highest Populus pollen counts were associated with easterly and westerly winds blowing in from areas containing rivers and streams. The airborne pollen counts generally rose with increasing temperature, solar radiation and hours of sunlight, all of which favour pollen release. In contrast, pollen counts declined with increased relative humidity and rainfall, which hinder airborne pollen transport.

Gestão de áreas verdes no Município de São Paulo, SP - Brasil: ganhos e limites / Management of green areas in the city of São Paulo, SP - Brazil gains and limits

Em um cenário de expansão e precariedade urbana e, ao mesmo tempo, de uma crescente preocupação com a qualidade do ambiente urbano, agravado pelas mudanças climáticas, as áreas verdes agem como atenuantes dos problemas ambientais e de saúde, favorecendo a qualidade de vida. Porém, para que estes espaços favoreçam a qualidade de vida e auxiliem no processo de adaptação das cidades às mudanças climáticas, é imprescindível que ações estratégicas sejam empreendidas para aumentar a oferta de áreas verdes. Considerando a importância da gestão ambiental como estratégia para se buscar qualidade ambiental, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a gestão de áreas verdes no Município de São Paulo, considerando a política de áreas verdes do Plano Diretor Estratégico (2002), relatos de atores diversos e legislação correspondente. A pesquisa envolveu levantamento bibliográfico, pesquisa documental, análise do conteúdo de entrevistas com atores chave e estruturação de modelo de análise com os instrumentos e elementos necessários para a implementação de uma estrutura adequada de gestão de áreas verdes. Foram identificados ganhos, limites, potencialidades e proposições para a gestão de áreas verdes em São Paulo, a partir de um olhar sistêmico sobre a questão que abrangeu desde a estrutura e aplicação da política de áreas verdes contida no Plano Diretor, passando pelo processo de planejamento, até aspectos relativos à gestão de parques. O poder público possui estrutura institucional e legal para empreender as ações ambientais e tem buscado a concretização de um planejamento pautado em planos, programas e projetos. Existem fontes de financiamento e há mecanismos para efetivar a participação social, através dos conselhos de meio ambiente instituídos. Na última década houve vários avanços em relação às áreas verdes, como a criação de novos parques (urbanos, lineares e naturais) e a criação de um banco de áreas para implantação de futuros parques...

In a setting of expansion and urban precarity, urban green areas act as extenuatory of the environmental and health problems. However, so that these spaces can promote the quality of life and help in the process of adapting cities to climate change, it is essential that strategic actions are thought to increase the supply of these spaces. This research aims to analyze green areas management in the city of São Paulo, considering green areas policy contained in the Strategic Master Plan (2002), reports of various actors and corresponding legislation. The research involved literature survey, documental research, content analysis of interviews with key actors identified and the structuring of and analysis model with tools necessary for the implementation of an appropriate management structure of green areas. Gains, limits, potentials and propositions for the management of green areas in the city were identified, from a systemic perspective on the issue, that ranged from the structure and implementation of the policy of green areas contained in the Master Plan, through the planning process, until aspects of park management. The government has institutional and legal structure to undertake environmental actions and has been seeking the implementation of a planning process based on plans, programs and projects. There are funding sources and mechanisms to enforce social participation, through environmental councils instituted. In the last decade there have been several advances relating to green areas, such as the creation of new parks (urban, linear and natural) and the creation of a bank of areas for the implantation of future parks. However, there are several limitations to be overcome...