Towards Greener Cities in Latin America: The Role of Policies in Shaping Urban Vegetation Dynamics

Latin American cities face significant challenges arising from high social and environmental inequity, the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and elevated pollution levels. In response to these challenges, strategies have emerged emphasizing the conservation, restoration, and integration of nature in urban and peri-urban areas to fulfil multiple functions that enhance long-term resilience. Recent research highlights diverse trends of urban vegetation in Latin America, showcasing gains, losses, and persisting inequalities. Despite recognizing the importance of planning and public policies, a notable gap exists in understanding how they influence urban vegetation distribution and changes. This research examines the most relevant public policies, programmes, and plans related to urban nature in Santiago (Chile), Bogotá (Colombia), and Lima (Peru), and explores how public policies influence urban vegetation dynamics. We identified a positive impact of urban greening instruments in Latin America, although there is still room for improvement. Public policies should outline concrete implementation actions, detailing budget allocation, required personnel, and robust evaluation mechanisms while reinforcing a strong commitment to equity. This ensures that greening efforts are not only tailored to local socio-ecological conditions but also remain sustainable in the long term. The insights gained from this research offer valuable lessons for urban planners and policymakers to develop more effective strategies promoting equitable and sustainable distribution of urban vegetation, ultimately enhancing urban resilience and quality of life globally.