Abstract

MARQUEZ BARRENECHEA, Ana; PALACIOS GARCIA, Antonio  and  HIDALGO GIRALT, Carmen. Urban socio-environmental vulnerability in Bilbao, Spain: a study through an urban indicator and qualitative data analysis. Perspectiva Geográfica [online]. 2022, vol.27, n.2, pp.60-75.  Epub Mar 16, 2023. ISSN 0123-3769.  https://doi.org/10.19053/01233769.13517.

Population trends lean towards urban settings. Its rapid expansion has created inequalities and poverty in urban areas worldwide. This research is part of a series of recent publications on Spanish cities (Barcelona and Madrid). The work attempts to evaluate the current situation of urban socio-environmental vulnerability in Bilbao, a city located in the north of Spain. Three spatial scales have been considered: census tract, neighbourhood and district. The 277 census tracts that make up the municipality are analysed through the Relative Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Synthetic Indicator (RSEVuSI). Subsequently, the census tracts identified as vulnerable by the indicator were analysed in depth through a qualitative methodology. Among the main findings, we highlight the spatial distribution patterns of socio-environmental vulnerability in Bilbao. In general, the least vulnerable areas are located near the centre and the Bilbao estuary, while the most vulnerable are located in the peripheral districts (i.e. Otxarkoaga-Txurdinaga and Rekalde). However, some census tracts with high vulnerability values are located in a central district (i.e. Ibaiondo). In fact, one of the main challenges to be addressed is the gentrification of this area, as many authors argue. The qualitative evaluation reveals that, in general, there is an acceptable level of maintenance and cleaning of public spaces and urban furniture. However, with respect to the urban landscape, there are significant differences between the census tracts with the highest and lowest RSEVuSI values. More qualitative research should be done so that planning and renewal actions can be implemented where they are really needed.

Keywords : Bilbao; qualitative methodology; socio-environmental vulnerability; urban indicator.

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