Bringing the Green into the Screen: Remote Sensing and Smart Green Governance in Urban Forest Management
摘要
This chapter investigates the use of remote sensing and emerging technologies in urban forest monitoring. Urban and peri-urban forests play a vital role in improving urban life by mitigating pollution, addressing heat island effects, managing flood risks, and enhancing water quality. These green infrastructures have been overshadowed in the smart city agenda, primarily focused on the transportation and energy sectors. Drawing from the experience of a medium-sized Brazilian city in nurturing a technology startup ecosystem toward becoming a smart city, this chapter aims to provide insights into the practical employment of these emerging technologies for territorial monitoring and regulation. The case illustrates how remote sensing can map changes in urban forests to aid in policy development and should encourage community engagement. At the core lies the concept of “smart green governance,” emphasizing technology-driven collaboration between local governments and citizens. Remote sensing tools, including high-resolution satellite imagery and methods like QR codes for tree labeling and geopositioning, may empower local authorities to identify, quantify, and make informed decisions about urban and peri-urban trees. These technologies support urban afforestation projects, environmental assessments, and regulatory compliance. The chapter aims to aid researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in creating environmentally sustainable and livable cities through remote sensing and public governance.