Estudio socioeconómico de un modelo de jardín vertical natural en las parroquias urbanas de Riobamba.

Abstract

This research aimed to determine socio-economic viability of a model of natural vertical gardening in the urban parishes of Riobamba. Establishments that provide accommodation and food services, were researched since there was a background about the lack of compliance with the urban green infrastructure (UGI) that affects the environment, emerging the need to increase green areas using indoor and outdoor spaces with vertical plants, and the vertical gardens are an alternative. By a quantitative approach, data were obtained to study the social and economic feasibility of implementing natural vertical gardens in urban areas of Riobamba. Information about the number of accommodation and food establishments was gotten with market research, and surveys were applied to the owners, the administrators or the managers of hotels and restaurants in the city. From these data, the economic feasibility of the project was determined through implementation and maintenance costs. The results showed that 67.07% of those surveyed would like to purchase a vertical garden, that means, project is socially viable. On the other hand, in terms of implementation costs, it was determined that it is 229.78USD per 1m2. It is concluded that the implementation of natural vertical gardens is economically feasible. It is recommended to explore other options of materials for the construction of the vertical garden, to promote the implementation of natural vertical gardens and to disseminate their benefits more widely.