Metodologia para construção da Paleta Vegetal do Projeto Paisagístico do Parque Capibaribe, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Primeira etapa.

Respect for and appreciation of Recife’s phytophysiognomy—especially the vegetation and fauna associated with the Capibaribe River—are the central focus of the Capibaribe Park project, conceived as an environmental and heritage education strategy. To achieve this, it was crucial to understand the plant composition of the remaining forest fragments and choose species adaptable to the urban environment, resulting in the development of a plant palette specifically for the project. Recognized as one of the world’s most vulnerable cities to climate change, placed 16th in international rankings, Recife faces significant challenges in sustainable urban planning. This article outlines the process of developing the Capibaribe Park plant palette and the list of selected species, emphasizing the pioneering effort to introduce native plants into public spaces as a climate mitigation strategy. The research utilized data from the projects “Botany Applied to Landscaping: Capibaribe Park” and “Identification and Botanical Illustration of Atlantic Forest Species Applied to Landscaping,” both connected to the Research and Innovation for Cities (INCITI) group at the City Research Technologies Laboratory at the Universidad Federal de Pernambuco. The experience of designing a public space focused on environmental revitalization uncovered significant challenges, especially in producing native plant seedlings, a practice still emerging in Brazil. Due to its challenging climate conditions, Recife is becoming a leader in pursuing nature-based solutions and is pioneering research to enhance the urban landscape, with greenery playing a vital role.