GREEN ROOFS: A PROPOSAL FOR USE NATIVE SPECIES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Due to the worsening of environmental quality in urban areas and on the planet as a whole, the use of techniques that can mitigate the unwanted effects of intense urbanization has emerged, among them, the construction of green roofs. In view of the need for more ecological forms for urbanization, this study proposed to analyze the use of native vegetation on green roofs in Brazil, as a strategy to mitigate the loss of environmental quality in cities. The study was carried out through a review of scientific literature and covered a short introduction with the current use of green roofs around the world, the relationship between the use of green roofs and ecosystem services and, finally, the potential of native species for composition of these gardens. The use of this technique and studies on the plant species indicated in its composition are initial in Brazil and, even on a global scale, are often limited to exotic options in most locations. The results also present a series of environmental benefits for the insertion of the technique. There are also several taxonomic groups native to Brazil that could be used in this segment. Finally, we emphasize that the use of native species on green roofs can collaborate with the conservation of local flora, which is sometimes threatened, and also with the generation of income, through the production and sale of seedlings, promoting the valorization of plant biodiversity. and education for greater environmental awareness by society, with consequent beneficial effects on people's health and well-being.