Plan de gestión ambiental para los parques: Maldonado, La Libertad y Sucre en la ciudad de Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

The aim of this research was to propose an Environmental Management Plan for Maldonado, La Libertad and Sucre Parks, located Riobamba city. This was based on an exhaustive evaluation on the current situation of these public areas, including the components of an urban ecosystem such as: the physical part and infrastructure, the biotic part, which has to do with ornamental vegetation and adapted fauna, as well as the socio-cultural component related to urban spaces. The methodology used included: direct observation, surveys, historical records review, and interviews for the personnel of the municipality (GADM) of Riobamba, who are in charge of the parks. It was determined that the three parks present deterioration in their physical infrastructural spaces (floors, pools, monuments, benches, lamps, curbs, etc.) and the biotic component (flowers, ornamental shrubs and grass) were in poor condition due to the excessive presence of pigeons and the lack of environmental awareness and ownership by the citizens, these were the main problems detected in addition to the lack of a comprehensive management plan for the parks by the city council. As a contribution for the solution of these problems, a plan integrating multiple programs to improve the current management of the parks was proposed, highlighting the importance on the conservation of green areas as small urban lungs in the center of the city and emphasizing their historical and socio-cultural importance; this must be done without neglecting waste management and citizen education. If the proposal is accepted, the municipality (GADM) of Riobamba will have a model for the management of green areas which will be suitable for different spaces with similar characteristics throughout the city. On the other hand, this management model can be replicated in comparable cities nationwide.