Description of environmental benefits
-Lowered local temperature: "By considering a mixed planting framework between tree, shrub and herbaceous species, it is possible to ensure that environmental benefits such as thermal comfort or thermoregulation, reduction of the albedo effect or incidence of UV radiation, air cleaning or biofiltering capacity are maximised." (4)
- Enhanced carbon sequestration: "As a matter of compliance with voluntary offset markets, for the strategy applied to the Independence Green Belt, they will be considered as CO2-eq. Carbon sequestration per tree planted in the Green Belt was calculated at 4.9 kg CO2-eq" (4)
- Expected improved resilience against landslides: "The installation of vegetation on the slopes was initially considered in areas more susceptible to landslides and runoff, as well as being located in the lower parts of the hills, next to the last row of settled houses. This location is related to the objective of reducing disaster risk." (4)
-Improved air quality: "By considering a mixed planting framework between tree, shrub and herbaceous species, it is possible to ensure that environmental benefits such as thermal comfort or thermoregulation, reduction of the albedo effect or incidence of UV radiation, air cleaning or biofiltering capacity are maximised." (4)
- Increased green space area: "The belt totals 400 hectares of open spaces on hillsides with perimeters registered with the National Superintendence of State Property (SBN), of which approximately 64 hectares have been occupied since 2017 by informal urban occupations." (4)
- Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems & Restoration of derelict areas: "Recover 20% of the degraded areas of the hills." (4)
- Reduced biodiversity loss: "One of the goals is net biodiversity gain" (4). "The green belt becomes an opportunity to respond to some of Lima's urban and socio-environmental demands and challenges, such as climate change adaptation and mitigation in vulnerable areas, while having co-benefits for people and biodiversity." (4)
-Increased presence and recovery of wild species: "In two phases, an urban forest park of 4,800 trees irrigated with treated wastewater has been planted. During the first phase, PREDES planted 3,300 trees with USAID support in 2015, and another 1,500 were recently planted by PERIFERIA (consultants)" (3).
- Increased ecological connectivity across regeneration sites and scales: "Villa del Carmen (area selected for intervention) qualifies for the level of organisation of the neighbours, their continuous work and interest in converting this area into a green and recreational space that, at the same time, avoids new urban expansion on this stretch of the hill. The area can be connected to other forest parks" (4)
Description of economic benefits
- Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation): "The productive areas are, for the most part, integrated into productive housing systems, but they can also supply food to the common pots, benefiting the most vulnerable in the district." (4)
- More sustainable tourism: "There are also forestations and public spaces with different levels of consolidation, as well as neighbourhood associations interested in adding value to the district's hills and ecosystems as areas for tourism, recreation, food production, among others." (4)
- Stimulate development in deprived areas: "There are also forestations and public spaces with different levels of consolidation, as well as neighbourhood associations interested in adding value to the district's hills and ecosystems as areas for tourism, recreation, food production, among others." (4)
- Increase in agricultural production (for profit or not): "Different types of activities have been carried out in the study areas, such as tree planting, walks, sports routes, installation of bio-gardens, etc." (4)
- Attraction of business and investment: "as part of the CO2-eq offsetting strategies, in addition to the contribution to social investment, the companies finance the installation of projects aimed at activating the areas of the Independencia Green Belt." (4). "Enhancement and promotion of new business opportunities related to lomas and coastal desert ecosystems" (4)
Description of social and cultural benefits
-Improved liveability: "This situation increases the vulnerability to change of use of spaces intended to provide diverse ecosystem services that improve the quality of life of the residents of Independencia while strengthening and protecting natural ecosystems." (4)
-Improved access to urban green space: "Reduction of the access gap to green areas (natural or created) and recreational areas." (4)
- Improved social interaction: "The available space has the potential to become a recreational space for the community, while also acting as a gateway for visitors to the hills." (4)
- Increased access to healthy/affordable food: "Its role is to improve the nutritional quality of local residents." (4)
- Improved physical health: "The ecotourism potential is related both to the hilly areas and to the visitation of consolidated parks such as the PFBS. Once already installed green actions are strengthened and extended, the number of parks with ample dimensions on the hillsides will form a route permeated by fractions of the coastal desert and those that will appear as oases of relaxation." (4)
-Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "In general, recreational activities will take place all along the belt, and specific activities linked to specific attractions are foreseen along the mountain, such as the entrances to the tourist routes on the hills." (4)
-Enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief: "Once green actions already in place are strengthened and extended, the number of parks with ample dimensions on the hillsides will form a route permeated by fractions of the coastal desert and those that will appear as oases of relaxation and rest." (4)
- Protection of natural heritage: "An urban forest park of 4,800 native trees irrigated with treated wastewater has been planted here in two phases" (3)
- Increased support for education and scientific research: "Another aspect is related to biodiversity, with potential bird watching and educational activities scattered throughout the urban edge" (4)
-Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "Another aspect is related to biodiversity, with potential bird watching and educational activities scattered throughout the urban edge." (4)
-Improved community safety to climate-related hazards: "Some documents emphasise the role of the belt in curbing urban sprawl and/or protecting both the hills and part of the population settled in vulnerable areas." (4)
