Urban Forests and Environmental Challenges in the Last Decades in Brazil: Insights for the National Urban Forestry Plan

Abstract

National afforestation policies are crucial for outlining guidelines and goals to be implemented at the local level. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research that systematizes indicators from across the country into a single proposal. This study examines the spatiotemporal distribution of urban forest research in Brazil from 1980 to 2020, analyzing 1426 publications. A significant rise in scientific output occurred in the 21st century, driven by environmental movements and climate change debates. Urban Afforestation dominated research (66%), followed by Urban Forests (27%) and Urban Biodiversity (5%) papers. The Southeast region led research output (35.62%), followed by the South (27.77%), Northeast (19.78%), North (9.96%), and Midwest (6.87%). Principal component analysis (PCA) linked publication volume to socioeconomic indicators in the Southeast, South, and Midwest, while school enrollment showed an inverse relationship. Coastal regions focused on mangrove and floodplain ecosystems, while the Midwest emphasized savannas. Regional disparities in scientific production call for equitable funding and policies to address Brazil's socio-environmental diversity. The study underscores the need for the National Urban Forestry Plan to integrate socioeconomic and conservation aspects, emphasizing the interplay between urbanization, economic development, and environmental conservation.