The 3:30:300 rule of urban forestry for increasing resilience and equity in cities: a systemic and integrated approach

• Grant number: 25/21352-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Physical Geography
• Principal Investigator: Maurício Lamano Ferreira
• Grantee: Rafael Brandão Ferreira de Moraes
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/15349-3 - Innovation in urban forestry planning aimed at promoting resilient and healthy cities: contributions to the implementation of the National Urban Forestry Plan, AP.PP

Abstract

This project's objective is to understand the relationships between urban forestry parameters and socio-environmental indicators in different regions and cities in Brazil. Applying the 3:30:300 Rule-which recommends that each person see at least three trees from their residence, live in neighborhoods with 30% tree cover, and have access to a qualified green area within 300 meters-the project seeks to identify critical urban territories, associating green infrastructure deficits with susceptibility to natural disasters (floods and landslides). Two integrative indices will be developed: the Flood Susceptibility Index in Urban Areas (ISIAU) and the Landslide Susceptibility Index in Urban Areas (ISDAU), based on geospatial data and multicriteria analysis. The methodology includes the construction of thematic maps of lithology, pedology, geomorphology, land use and cover, slope, and rainfall erosivity, as well as the analysis of tree cover and access to green spaces, using satellite imagery and tools such as QGIS and Google Earth Engine. The proposal also aims to identify strategic potential for these risk areas, such as the creation of urban parks and buffer zones, contributing to the planning of nature-based solutions. The results will inform guidelines for public urban afforestation policies focused on environmental justice and risk reduction, aligned with the National Urban Afforestation Plan (PLANAU) and the strengthening of climate resilience in Brazilian cities. (AU)