Abstract

HERNANDEZ RIVERA, María Gabriela  and  TORRES HERNANDEZ, Leonel. Analysis of two protected natural areas in relation to the growth of the metropolitan area of Xalapa, Veracruz. Invest. Geog [online]. 2015, n.87, pp.51-61. ISSN 2448-7279.  https://doi.org/10.14350/rig.39077.

The establishment of natural protected areas and the urban growth are two inseparable processes as they are functionally connected, but their dynamics tend to be troublesome and turn into the epitome of the wicked relationship between humans and nature. The urban natural protected areas are usually agricultural fields remains or woods saved from their destruction caused by the constant expansion of the urban spot. However, if this rescue is not clear and definitive, either because the governmental actions are incomplete, unsuitable or corrupt, or because people do not get to use these areas (difficult access, dangerous places, or inappropriate facilities), the threats for these territories will then reappear as the urban extension will tend to surround, invade and take up the natural protected areas.

With the aim of analyzing the spatio-temporal dynamics of the human and nature relationship in an urban context, the natural protected areas "Molino de San Roque" and "Cerro de la Galaxia" were studied in correlation with the urban growth of Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Both areas look deserted and defenseless. The interpretation of aerial photographs from 1993 to 2009 revealed that 41.8% of the Molino de San Roque's area and 50.7% of the Cerro de la Galaxia's area showed no alteration in the density and expansion of their vegetation; 12.2% and 26.7%, respectively, showed some vegetation growth, meanwhile 46% and 22.6%, again respectively, reflected a decrease in the bushy and arboreal cover. Micro historic-geographical analysis proved that in the inner parts of these areas, being the lower trafficked ones, we could notice some vegetation recovery, whereas in the periphery segments, deforestation was observed. The progressive human invasion was the biggest threat for these areas, but the abandonment by authorities constitutes another one. The greatest loss was not so much about the natural protected areas shrinkage, but rather about the quality of the landscape. An effective protection of the natural areas will never be reached if these areas keep remaining as deserted places. Indeed, this desertion leads to a separation between society and nature as citizens have no opportunity of using these natural areas in a practical or recreational way.

Keywords : Natural protected area; urban growth.