Abstract
ABSTRACT Vegetation fragments located in urban perimeters provide better environmental conditions for biological diversity and human well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Vegetation Coverage Index (VCI) of the urban perimeter of Erechim, RS, between years 2010 and 2015. Mapping was carried out using World View 2 and Pleiades satellites images with spatial resolution of 0.5 m. Significant difference was found between VCI values of 2010 and 2015, as well as a decrease in the recommended rate in the range of 30% per neighborhood. Due to the influence of increased urbanization, there was reduction of 229.98 hectares in the vegetation coverage area of the urban perimeter during the study period. The expansion of urban areas reduced vegetation fragments and has contributed in an effective manner to the disordered occupation of the city, generating negative impacts to the environment and to the quality of life of the local population.
Highlights
The conservation and maintenance of vegetation fragments and forestation are essential for the structure and dynamics of the urban landscape
Vegetation fragments located in urban perimeters provide better environmental conditions for biological diversity and human well-being
This study aimed to evaluate the Vegetation Coverage Index (VCI) in the urban perimeter of the municipality of Erechim between years 2010 and 2015, with the objective of verifying possible changes suffered by vegetation fragments due to the integration and conversion of these areas into urbanized spaces caused by increased urbanization
Summary
The conservation and maintenance of vegetation fragments and forestation are essential for the structure and dynamics of the urban landscape These factors provide better thermal comfort conditions, contributing to improvements in quality of life and the environmental condition of cities (Lima et al, 2007; Martini & Biondi, 2015). The absence of vegetation affects fundamental mechanisms that reduce temperature, since vegetation acts on the climatic elements in urban microclimates, altering absorption capacity and heat transmission when compared to rural areas (Mascaró & Mascaró, 2009; Oliveira et al, 2013). These changes in ecosystems bring negative consequences to human well-being and reduce ecosystem services (MEA, 2005)
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