Áreas verdes e qualidade de vida: interação pessoa-ambiente no centro histórico de São Cristóvão (SE)

Abstract

Green areas form a network of nature-based solutions that directly influence the quality of life in urban environments. This study addresses the relationship between green areas and quality of life in the historic center of São Cristóvão (SE), aligning with the environmental agenda that seeks to manage the impacts of human activity and promote sustainability, which is an essential component of people's quality of life. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the interaction of green areas in the person-environment relationship in the historic center of São Cristóvão (SE), analyzing the perception of these areas in the quality of life of the local community, focusing on understanding how their presence and quality influence residents. To achieve this objective, two specific goals were established: a) to identify and classify green, gray, and neutral areas in the historic center, mapping and categorizing the city's areas based on their vegetation and urban development; b) to analyze the population's perception of quality of life, understanding how green, gray, and neutral areas influence their satisfaction with the studied environment. Four steps were carried out: 1) study of land use and occupation to map and direct areas; 2) identification and classification of green, gray, and neutral areas in the historic center; 3) quality of life assessment using a World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire, complemented by questions about the use and perception of spaces; and 4) field visits presenting diagrams of data acquired on-site and photographic surveys. The results indicate that the growth of urbanized areas has led to a reduction in green spaces, emphasizing the need to balance urbanization and sustainability. The analysis revealed differences in the quality of green areas between the upper and lower parts of the historic center, with the upper part showing better conditions in terms of pavement, landscaping, and leisure options. The lower part is undergoing revitalization, as shown by the requalification of Bica dos Pintos, and sustainability initiatives such as the Águas de São Cristóvão program and the Selo 3AP certification reflect the municipal administration's commitment to sustainable development. However, the articulation between green infrastructure, community participation, and public policies must be strengthened to effectively improve the quality of life of the population. The research concludes that promoting green areas is a real need for the community, providing practical and beneficial solutions to the urban challenges faced and reaffirming the importance of development that respects and values both nature and the history of the city.