Análise dos benefícios da agricultura urbana: o Caso das Hortas do Parque Madureira Mestre Monarco

Abstract

This research analyzes the benefits of urban agriculture in Planning Area 3 (AP-3) of Rio de Janeiro, with emphasis on the gardens of Parque Madureira Mestre Monarco. The research highlights the relevance of nature-based solutions in urban areas, addressing how urban agriculture contributes to ecosystem services, quality of life, and climate change mitigation. The main objective was to evaluate the positive impacts of these initiatives on the environment and the local community. The methodology combined primary and secondary data, with the application of inVEST software to analyze the reduction of erosive potential with the presence of gardens in the territory. In addition to this approach, a structured questionnaire was used with residents living near the park, collecting perceptions about the use and benefits of green areas. A preliminary survey of potential spaces for new gardens and urban parks was also conducted, followed by a SWOT analysis to identify opportunities and challenges in expanding these green areas in AP-3. The results indicated positive perception of the benefits by users, such as expanded access to green areas, strengthened community engagement, promotion of food security, encouragement of environmental education, and increased urban resilience. Urban gardens proved to be relevant to the local context and to promoting a more sustainable city, highlighting the need to strengthen public policies and collaborative initiatives that consolidate these spaces in other regions of AP-3 and the municipality.