Abstract

CALAZA MARTINEZ, Pedro. Trees in Urban Ecosystem: Connection between New Urbanism, Society and Rational Risk Management. Ing. Univ. [online]. 2016, vol.20, n.1, pp.155-173. ISSN 0123-2126.  https://doi.org/10.11144/Javeriana.iyu20-1.tuec.

The relentless and massive population migration process to the cities is a phenomenon of great concern due to the large urban overcrowding and the consequent environmental, public health, and social problems involved, among others. In fact, in this century, Pickett already talks of "urban species," where more than 50% of the world's population already lives in cities. Within the different theories, approaches, and strategies to carry out a more rational territorial development that generates healthy cities, greening processes, and green infrastructure, the need to try to mitigate these terrible consequences is highlighted. This strategy, recently endorsed by the EU, has numerous benefits and components such as green roofs, vertical gardening, greenways, etc., although perhaps one of the most important is the urban forest. Its governance is extremely important and should include, aside from the plans which maximize the benefits, those that minimize problems, and above everything the most important: its inherent potential danger. Sometimes trees have collapsed causing serious consequences, but often they are identifiable and preventable i.e. external biomechanics symptoms are indicators of internal problems. Therefore the incorporation of scientific and technical approaches (including specific tools such as tomograph, Static Load Test, etc.) about risk assessment should be an integral component of the management of green infrastructure.

Keywords : green Infrastructure; urban forestry; society; hazard risk assessment; biomechanics; management.

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