Valoração econômica de áreas verdes urbanas e sua relação com a saúde e qualidade de vida: um estudo no Parque do Povo em Presidente Prudente – SP

Abstract

The relationship between man, environment and health is broad and is projected from the perspective of a better quality of life. Thus, the present work aims to evaluate the environmental benefits in relation to the health and quality of life of urban green areas, in the "Parque do Povo" in Presidente Prudente - SP. We used the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) SF-36 assessment and the Contingent Valuation Method (MVC) or Willingness to Pay (DAP) that monetarily identified the indirect benefits from the “Parque do Povo” as well as characterized the social profile of the user, besides discussing the attractions of the place. 200 participants were interviewed from December 2018 to March 2019. The results showed that there was consistency in the answers of the individuals to the SF-36 questions, in relation to the correlations, noting that higher scores indicate a lower impairment of that domain, and scores smaller ones point to greater impairment. In the present study the lowest values were 0.13 between Emotional Aspect and Functional Capacity, Mental Health and Functional Capacity, and the highest equal to 0.66 between Social Aspect and Vitality. The health profile of the 200 park attendants interviewed was satisfactory. Through the Contingent Valuation Method (MVC) or Willingness to Pay (DAP), it was found that 51% were willing to pay for the preservation / conservation of Parque do Povo. In addition, it was possible to verify, through the estimated coefficients in econometric models, that the PADs maintain a positive relationship with the variables and educational level. The estimated average DBH was R $ 5.30 and this led to an economic value of R $ 667,800 in the aggregate, which represents an approximation of the annual use value of the Parque do Povo. The application of the contingent valuation method (MVC) showed how much the population is willing to pay for maintaining the park's functions. Obtaining a reference value for Parque Povo may provide subsidies to the government and guide the process of managing this natural asset. The application of economic instruments is a way of economically evaluating the value of compensation for social and environmental damages.