Cobertura arbórea urbana como elemento de mitigación de islas de calor y mejoramiento del confort térmico en Nueva Loja, Sucumbíos, Ecuador

Tree cover in urban spaces is a crucial component for environmental management and the improvement of microclimatic conditions in Amazonian cities. This study analyzes the influence of urban trees on heat island mitigation and thermal comfort, focusing on the city of Nueva Loja in Sucumbíos Province. A literature review was conducted covering scientific articles, theses, and institutional documents regarding urban vegetation, thermal regulation, and green infrastructure, prioritizing research carried out in tropical cities. The results show that Nueva Loja possesses significant vegetation resources, primarily within the Nueva Loja Ecological Park, where 269 individual trees belonging to 27 families and 59 species were recorded. Furthermore, the canton's land-use planning incorporates measures aimed at strengthening green areas, green corridors, green infrastructure, and urban tree planting. Comparisons with research from other tropical cities indicate that the presence, structure, and distribution of trees help regulate thermal conditions through shading and other natural processes. Consequently, the tree diversity found in Nueva Loja provides a solid foundation for strengthening adaptation strategies and urban environmental planning. The study concludes that urban trees represent a resource with the potential to improve Nueva Loja's microclimate and that their conservation, management, and proper distribution can be integrated as key elements of sustainable urban planning.