Environmental actions to mitigate urban vulnerability in informal settlements

Abstract

Irregular settlements on the outskirts of Puebla are characterized by their urban vulnerability, mainly by the lack of infrastructure and basic services, and are sometimes located on land unsuitable for urban development. This is the case of the Cuitláhuac neighborhood, which only has electricity, resulting in high urban vulnerability, which worsens during the rainy season with the formation of gullies, flooding, and soil erosion, affecting the daily urban life of its inhabitants. Authorities often ignore these issues, and they are rarely included in urban development plans. The objective is to discuss the importance of seeking environmental alternatives to mitigate urban vulnerability in irregular settlements. The methodology was based on action research, and the main techniques used were literature review, field trips, virtual meetings, and semi-directed interviews with key stakeholders. A relevant conclusion is that implementing green infrastructure is feasible to mitigate the adverse effects resulting from the lack of infrastructure, as it can be implemented in the short term, is accepted by residents, and sparks their collaborative interest in both its implementation and maintenance.