Arborização nativa nas áreas urbanizadas de Palmas-TO e sua relação com os serviços ecossistêmicos

Abstract

This study analyzes the contribution of native Cerrado species to the provision of urban ecosystem services in selected blocks of the city of Palmas, Tocantins, highlighting their importance for environmental sustainability and the well-being of the population. It is a functional analysis and ranking study of tree species based on ecological, structural, and geographic origin criteria. The methodology consisted of applying a multi-criteria scoring method that evaluated 180 species regarding regulation and provision services, also considering geographical origin as a factor influencing ecological performance. The scores ranged from 5 to 16 points, allowing species to be classified into high, medium, and low-performance categories. The results showed that 54.4% of the species are native to the Cerrado, which achieved the highest average scores, with emphasis on Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Pequi), Spondias mombin L. (Cajá), Dipteryx alata Vogel (Baru), and Hymenaea courbaril L. (Jatobá). The Brazilian exotic Cerrado species demonstrated intermediate performance, while the foreign exotic species presented the lowest average values, showing lower ecological efficiency and adaptability. It is concluded that the valorization and prioritization of native species are essential for the planning and management of urban afforestation, contributing to the strengthening of local ecological identity, climate resilience, and the effectiveness of environmental services.