Safety in Public Open Green Spaces in Fortaleza, Brazil: A Data Analysis

Abstract

Latin America is as heterogeneous as its cities. To understand Latin American cities, it is necessary to have a clear vision of how they are organized, not only physically but according to their social, cultural, and economic contexts (which are associated). Historically, it has suffered a lot in terms of politics and the security of its cities. Insecurity reflects a structural problem; economic and social inequality are the main actors of spatial segregation, motivating violence and, consequently, the insecurity of urban space. Fortaleza is one of the largest Brazilian cities, and it is possible to fit it into this reality. Many public actions may benefit only one sector of society, showing biased investments and, again, confirming the tremendous economic and social differences in Latin American cities. In this study, questionnaires related to attendance, feelings, maintenance, and safety were made to some of Fortaleza’s residents regarding an urban park called Parque do Cocó, one of the biggest in Latin America. Due to its large area, it is located in different city neighborhoods, allowing for us to see the differences in treatments throughout its extension. This article aims to understand how the public opinions and mentality of a portion of the population are characterized concerning safety in green public spaces in the city. In addition, the insecurity of public green spaces can also be inserted into a problem of environmental injustice in the urban context. This study of Fortaleza’s Cocó Park highlights significant disparities in safety perceptions and maintenance across socioeconomic regions. Findings indicate that areas with higher human development index (HDI) scores experience better park conditions. The research underscores the necessity for comprehensive urban policies that address socioeconomic inequalities, as evidenced by the correlation between crime rates and HDI. Cocó Park emerges as a key factor in sustainable urban development, aligning with Fortaleza’s urban planning goals. The study emphasizes the critical role of urban green spaces in enhancing the quality of life and fostering social cohesion in urban landscapes. Moreover, with the data collected, it will be possible to stress further how urban adequacy relates to social situations in Latin American cities.