[3] Vegetated areas such as Cocó also provide relief from the “heat island effect” caused by the heat-trapping quality of asphalt, concrete, and building materials.

As one of the biggest urban parks in South America, Cocó represents one of the main opportunities for tourists to experience the beautiful local flora and fauna, while still remaining accessible from other tourism hotspots in the city, such as Beira Mar.

[4] The Ecological Reserve of Coc has been gradually and constantly encroached upon by various development projects, which have drawn criticism for lack of transparency and negative environmental impacts.

Critics, including architects, university professors, environmental groups and various non-governmental organisations, cite the lack of transparency and due process in the conception of the project, and the damage which will be caused to the unique nature of the park.

[6] Various alternative projects have been proposed in order to resolve the city’s transport problems, which involve, among other things, increasing investment in public transport and cycle-lanes, and thus reducing the need for people to rely on private cars, which currently result in chronic traffic problems and greatly increased pollution which result in a decrease of the quality of life of the city’s residents.