Diseño de un plan de gestión para mejorar la sostenibilidad del arbolado urbano en la ciudad de Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

The city of Riobamba, Ecuador, faces challenges in managing urban trees, which affects environmental sustainability and the quality of life of its inhabitants. The lack of planning and resources has resulted in the loss of trees, decreased green areas, and public health problems. Rapid urban growth exacerbates these problems by compromising ecological connectivity and biological diversity. Therefore, in this study, through urban forestry, we seek to improve the sustainable management of trees and establish criteria for the planning, managing, and maintaining urban trees through a quantitative and qualitative diagnosis of the species present in public parks and avenues from the city. In the public parks of Riobamba, 1,344 individuals distributed in 37 different species were recorded, along with 42 additional species dead standing. The most predominant species was Acacia, followed by Callistemon, Tecoma, and Populus. Various characteristics of the tree trunks were observed, such as sinuosity, bifurcation, inclination, and the presence of standing dead trees. Regarding the phytosanitary status, most trees were in good health, although some signs of disease and weakness were detected. In the avenues of Riobamba, 3,906 individuals distributed in 31 species were counted, with 72 additional species dead standing. Acacia was also the most common species in this environment, followed by Callistemon, Populus, and Jacaranda. As in public parks, various characteristics of the tree trunks were identified, and a primarily healthy phytosanitary status was recorded, although some trees showed signs of disease, weakness, or dying. Finally, a sustainable management plan was designed to manage urban trees. The council needs to take action for the sake of the city's management, care, and conservation of trees.