Social aptitude of environmental perception in the Bicentennial Metropolitan Park, city of Toluca, Mexico

Authors

Abstract

Inclusive urbanization incorporates green areas as a strategy for adaptation to climate variation, at the local level the social capacity for resilient management of urban parks is unknown. The study analyzes social aptitude through environmental perception in the Bicentennial Metropolitan Park. The question and the construct propose: how does environmental perception influence social fitness? Social aptitude is an adaptive capacity conditioned by subjective and sociocultural factors. Through a non-experimental design, direct observation and a questionnaire applied to a sample of visitors and residents, the perception pattern and the areas of opportunity for environmental improvement are identified. The results establish that social aptitude exhibits a low level of empathy and intersubjectivity, lack of participation, especially in states of neutrality and indifference, due to economic and personal problems. It is concluded that the social potential of adaptive capacity is articulated through value judgments that define a strong pro-environmental disposition, the selection and classification of improvement options that imply needs and expectations of environmental responsibility, social participation linked to emotional well-being and benefits of recreation, sports and health. The operation depends on the decision system that organizes the continuous improvement programs and projects, the cooperation and negotiation processes, and the regulatory framework for the socio-ecological management of green areas in Toluca.

Keywords:

Environmetal perception, green areas, social aptitude, urban park