AUTHOR=Hinostroza-Martinez Jose , Custodio María , Chavez-Villarroel Jesus 

TITLE=Ecosystem approach to sustainable neighborhoods: applicability of environmental and urban sustainability indicators in informal neighborhoods

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sustainable Cities

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-cities/articles/10.3389/frsc.2025.1518694

DOI=10.3389/frsc.2025.1518694

ISSN=2624-9634

ABSTRACT=IntroductionInformal settlements in Peru face critical challenges related to the lack of urban planning, limited access to basic services, and high environmental vulnerability due to their location on hillsides and risk-prone areas. These settlements develop without regulation, exacerbating problems such as lack of potable water, inadequate sanitation, and poor solid waste management.MethodsThis study aimed to develop and apply a comprehensive evaluation model to understand the complex relationship between environmental and urban sustainability in informal neighborhoods. The model is based on an ecosystem approach that combines geospatial analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and participatory tools to analyze how factors such as migration, the market, and state policies impact sustainability.ResultsThe results reveal a significant correlation between basic service coverage and the reduction of environmental vulnerability, as well as between urban development policies and territorial occupation dynamics.DiscussionIt is concluded that the proposed evaluation model can serve as a valuable decision-making tool for the formulation of local policies. These policies, tailored to the specific needs of each neighborhood, are essential to promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life of their inhabitants.