A vegetação urbana como indicador de desigualdade socioespacial: uma análise a partir da cidade de Dourados-MS

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of urban vegetation as an indicator of socio-spatial inequality, focusing on the city of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. It is based on the understanding that urban space is produced unequally and that the distribution of vegetation can express differences in access to urban environmental quality. To this end, the research combined Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and empirical study procedures. Vegetation mapping was carried out using the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), applied to images from the CBERS 4A satellite, complemented by an analysis of street tree density. These data were related to socioeconomic indicators, particularly household income and population density, considering census tracts as the unit of analysis. The integration of these indicators resulted in the development of the Socio-environmental Vulnerability Index (IVSA), which was used to identify spatial trends and select contrasting areas for field research. The results revealed an unequal distribution of vegetation across the urban space of Dourados, associated with different socioeconomic conditions and the processes of urban expansion and production. Contrasts were particularly evident between the northwestern and southeastern portions of the city, where higher income concentration corresponded to greater presence and quality of vegetation, while lower-income areas presented less favorable environmental conditions. The comparison between the IVSA and the field assessment confirmed the existence of contrasting socio-environmental conditions in the analyzed census tracts. It is concluded that urban vegetation constitutes an element capable of reinforcing and deepening the socio-spatial inequalities present in Dourados.