Urban socio-environmental vulnerability in Bilbao, Spain: a study through an urban indicator, Geographical Information Systems, and qualitative data analysis

Abstract

Population trends lean towards urban settings. Its rapid expansion has created inequalities and poverty in urban areas around the world. This research is part of a series of recent publications on Spanish cities (Barcelona and Madrid). The work attempts to evaluate the current situation of urban socio-environmental vulnerability in Bilbao, a city located in the north of Spain. Three spatial scales have been considered: census tract, neighbourhood and district. The 277 census tracts that make up the municipality are analysed through the Synthetic Indicator of Relative Socio-environmental Vulnerability (RSEVuSI). Subsequently, the census tracts identified as vulnerable by the indicator were analysed in depth through a qualitative methodology. Among the main findings, we highlight the spatial distribution patterns of socio-environmental vulnerability in Bilbao. In general, the least vulnerable areas are located near the centre and the Bilbao estuary, while the most vulnerable are located in the peripheral districts (i.e. Otxarkoaga-Txurdinaga and Rekalde). However, some census tracts that present high vulnerability values ​ are located in a central district (i.e. Ibaiondo). In fact, one of the main challenges to be addressed is the gentrification of this area, as many authors argue. The qualitative evaluation reveal that, in general, there is an acceptable level of maintenance and cleaning of public spaces and urban furniture. However, with respect to the urban landscape, there are significant differences between the census tracts with the highest and lowest RSEVuSI values. It should be done more qualitative research so that planning and renewal actions can be implemented where they are really needed.