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The expansion and intensification of horticultural systems in the peri-urban area of Mar del Plata derived in economic benefits, but also in environmental problems. It is hypothesized that the management of these systems under a conventional approach led to less sustainable systems compared to the alternative ones, increasing environmental impacts due to the incorporation of greenhouses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental sustainability of horticultural systems in Mar del Plata, considering different cases associated to representative typologies. Methodologically, a Horticultural Environmental Sustainability Index was elaborated, composed of indicators associated with the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. Based on semi-structured interviews, the index was applied to seven systems with a conventional approach and greenhouse production (SCBC), seven systems with a conventional approach and open field production (SCAC), three systems with alternative approaches and greenhouse production (SABC), and other three systems with alternative approaches and open field production (SAAC). The systems that applied alternative approaches (SABC and SAAC) showed greater environmental sustainability, with a wide gap between these and the conventional systems (SCBC and SCAC). Finally, it is necessary to deepen the study and highlight the contribution that each system can make to the environmental sustainability of horticultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenbelt policies were designed more than a century ago in Europe to control urban growth, preserve agricultural land and conserve nature, although they have repeatedly failed in their attempt to contain the urban sprawl. Gradually, these initiatives have been incorporating new functions such as the provision of ecosystem services, with special emphasis on the provision of ecosystem services. In Europe, various studies indicate that there has been an evolution from greenbelts, designed as a containment line for urban growth, to green infrastructures, more permeable and connected. In this article, we explore these dynamics by comparing the cases of three green rings, Ottawa and Ontario in Canada and São Paulo in Brazil, implemented in America. The cases show the consolidation of these initiatives and their evolution towards broader green infrastructures, although with uneven results in the fulfillment of the policy objectives, since a high governance capacity is required to carry out complex coordinated management between the various levels of governments, the different municipalities and other private and public interests involved in green infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Referring to the case of three municipalities surrounding Bogotá, we analyze the distinct features and specific implications of metropolization process. We argue this process is not merely a result of typical urbanization dynamics, but it also comes from specific decision of some social groups, omissions, and absence of coordination between territorial bodies. In that sense, the recently established Bogotá-Cundinamarca Metropolitan Region might be an opportunity to address the problems resulting from metropolization processes and solve some of its shortcomings. Furthermore, its potential lies in the possibility of generating a unified vision of the future and effective coordination between the instruments of planning, management, monitoring and control of land use. Finally, based on this article analysis and as a contribution to the discussions of the debate around the Metropolitan Region, we propose a green belt between Bogotá, Cota and Chía, to reduce the tendency to conurbation and the continuous expansion of the urban area of Bogotá over the Sabana Centro province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The river Guadaira in its lower course has undergone various transformations, from historical interventions for the installation of water mills, to those made in the riverbed since the beginning of the 20th century to mitigate floods in the city of Seville. A critical analysis and assessment is made of proposed 'Guadaira Greenbelt' for the recovery of the marginal peri-urban space linked to the most recent transformation of the river in 1977. The ecological and social scope of this proposal is analysed and evaluated in a SWOT analysis, with a clearly socio-environmental objective that seeks the sustainability of the area, which is discussed in comparison other national and international experiences. The conclusions highlight the errors related to the Mediterranean riparian plant formations, which is one of the most important weaknesses of the proposal. The research concludes that the proposal meets the objectives of the ENRR, but does not adapt to the academic patterns on research on river and river restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]