Spatial (in)justices in time(s) of social distancing:

the usufruct of green spaces in Braga and Guimarães based on Sentinel 2

Abstract

The general duty of home confinement imposed in Portugal during the 45 days of State of Emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic restricted leisure time to spaces surrounding houses. In this sense, considering the health benefits provided by green spaces, the main objective of this research is to identify injustices in the usufruct of these spaces in the municipalities of Braga and Guimarães, based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. The results show that 19% of the territory of Braga and Guimarães presents a problematic situation in the use of green spaces, especially in the urban centres and surroundings areas, where vegetation is very depleted. It should also be noted that, in Guimarães, diffuse urbanization/industrialization promotes the existence of critical areas also outside the urban perimeter, especially in the villages. This mapping constitutes an important input for emergency plans for similar situations, contributing to the maximization of resources when implementing measures that promote vegetation.