1. Introduction
The conceptualization and creation of tools that allow the timely diagnosis of the current state of the territory at a biophysical level, fulfill a primary objective to serve as a basis for making management decisions in a timely and objective manner.
manual-3-manual-for-the-development-of-diagnosis-of-critical-areas-dacThe PROCARYN project; its parallel goal is to develop, validate and consolidate methodological models that allow for strengthening planning processes in the territory. Therefore, the conceptualization and creation is the starting point of each of the research processes or studies to be carried out within the framework of the formulation of management plans.
One of the most important processes in the formulation of a management plan for a territory is the formulation of the "Diagnosis of Critical Areas" (DAC), to date it has been carried out through alternative tools such as the case of SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats), together with the capacity and technical criteria of the planners. Giving a degree of freedom to subjectively define the “Critical Areas”, in the event that the planner or planning team does not have the necessary experience to identify and formulate the DAC.
Considering the above and uniting the experience and knowledge of the planners of territory, the concept for the development of a model is born that allows systematically and under objective parameters the identification and formulation of the "Diagnosis of Critical Areas", presenting territorial planners with a tool with three characteristics:
- Speed and functionality; Within a participatory approach; Objective under an applied research model.
2 . Conceptual bases of the diagnosis of critical areas
2.1 The study of landscape ecology and the diagnosis of critical areas
Zonneveld (1988) points out that the basic of landscape ecology, and what differentiates it from other disciplines, is the assumption that a specific space of a landscape is a holistic entity, which includes all its heterogeneous components, incorporating man as one more element of the set.
The author also points out that the object of study of landscape ecology is «landscape», corresponding to the heterogeneity of a land area composed of a group of interacting ecosystems, which is repeated in a similar way throughout space (Forman and Godron, 1986).
Earth science specialists (geographers, agronomists, geomorphologists, among others) and biologists, use the term landscape to identify individual surface patterns defined according to some attributes of the land, identified by each discipline in question and to understand spatial reality in a systemic way.
The abiotic components are the fundamental part of the landscape, since they reflect the indices and indicators, the ecological properties and the procedures that are carried out in the landscape, where the physical, chemical and biological processes operate as a unit in space and time.
Morales, R (2002); considers that a critical management area for a TERRITORY is a determined site that demands special attention or treatment on an eventual or permanent basis by the management and / or administration programs. Being able to identify through different outstanding heterogeneous elements of the landscape, which can positively or negatively influence the planning and management of the TERRITORY. (MAG / PAES / CATIE-2002)
2.2 Development of Critical Area diagnosis based on landscape ecology
Below is an experimental methodology with its corresponding methodological phases that can be used to carry out the diagnosis of the critical area, highlighting the use of the landscape ecology approach in order to strengthen the sustainable development of Protected Natural Areas.
2.2.1 Preparatory phase
2.2.1.1 Collection and updating of information for the area under study
In the context of the present work, the steps related to the integrated characterization of the landscape units, the definition of environmentally critical elements and the identification of the environmental sensitivity of those units are interesting.
2.2.1.2 Integrated characterization of landscape units
The environmental characterization of the area will focus on the identification and analysis of landscape units, which will allow establishing homogeneous areas from the environmental point of view, being able to be mapped at a scale of 1: 5,000 to 1: 100,000, depending on the level of detail that is require in the studio. The characterization is carried out with an operational approach, that is, keeping in mind the project under analysis, its potential effects and trends (direct, indirect and cumulative).
For the characterization of each of the landscape units, the following aspects will be considered: surface geology and geomorphology, surface hydrology, current situation and uses of vegetation and fauna, water quality and use, land use and populated centers, by These are the most relevant in relation to the primary management characteristics of the Natural Protected Area.
Each landscape unit must be treated under a systemic approach, identifying the relevant compartments and relationships, in order to obtain information on the elements of the environment that could affect or be positively or negatively affected by the project under study and vice versa, in order to to be able to foresee the magnitude of the obstacles, opportunities and / or changes expected with its implementation.
From this systemic analysis, which for the purposes of the study will be called characterization of critical management areas, operational schemes will be obtained for each landscape unit, highlighting the compartments and relationships relevant to its operation. In the case of populated centers, due to the close interdependence that exists between them, the aspect of social development will be analyzed as a whole and not by landscape units.
The following scales are recommended according to the level of study quality of "Diagnosis of Critical Areas":
Table No. 1 "Scale according to level of study quality"
| Level of study | Scale
Cartographic |
Landscape classification of the identified critical areas |
| Detailed | 1: 5,000 to 1: 25,000 | Landscape elements |
| Semi-detailed | 1: 26,000 to 1: 50,000 | Sub-landscapes |
| general | 1: 50,000 to 1: 100.00 | Landscape |
Adapted by Melgar, M. 2002, from INAB, 1999.
2.2.1.3 Critical area conditioning elements
Starting from the analysis of the integrated characterization of the area, the critical compartments and relationships for the functioning of natural and anthropic systems are determined.
This serves to define the sensitivity criteria for the entire area under study and determine the elements that must be considered as priorities, in order to ensure the maintenance of the systems described.
The elements of analysis for diagnosis are all the physical components of the environment or the physical effects that they are produced by anthropic actions.
These elements can be divided into three groups:
- DEFICIENCY CONDITIONERS AND PROBLEMS POTENTIALITIES
Each of the determined elements are visualized in thematic maps that will later be used during the development of the "Critical Area Diagnostic Workshop (TDAC)".
Adapted by Melgar, M. 2004, from Melgar. M-NAB-PROSELVA 2000.
2.2.1.4 Identification of environmental sensitivity for landscape units
Once the elements in the landscape units that had to be kept in mind when implementing the TDAC were identified, they were categorized into three levels of sensitivity: high, medium and low. The criterion for this is the response of the critical element against the impact of natural and anthropic activities on the TERRITORY.
Those elements whose response to current or future intervention causes or would cause substantial or irreversible changes in the functioning of the ecological systems represented there, were considered as high sensitivity, either due to the direct affectation of any component or components of the system or systems, or due to process alteration (energy flows, nutrient cycling, water flows, etc.).
Based on this same conceptual basis, those elements whose responses to the intervention also imply reversible changes in the operation of the system, were considered of medium sensitivity and could be mitigated or eliminated by incorporating the pertinent measures.
Finally, low sensitivity was assigned to elements with "mild or low" responses to environmental and anthropogenic intervention and which may be relatively easy to correct.
Below are the proposed sensitivity levels associated with the identified critical elements:
- High sensitivity Flood areas with alluvial soils periodically used High slope areas Morphodynamically active or potentially active areas Important recharge areas, where infiltration is greater than runoff Permanent water courses, supplying populations or serving for irrigation River headwaters or micro-watersheds Areas with forest cover and / or gallery forests. Areas with early secondary succession Areas of current agricultural use with overuse: Semi-commercial agriculture with a tendency to agroforestry. Mechanized annual crops Subsistence agriculture Intensive livestock farming
The sensitivity analysis is carried out mainly in the entire protected area and in its buffer zone, based on the premise that the natural protected area is highly sensitive.
Medium sensitivity
- Areas with medium to low slopes Areas with intermittent drains Deciduous forest or secondary forest vegetation Semi-intensive livestock
Low sensitivity
- Areas with low slopes Areas with low density of surface drains Deciduous thorny forest and savanna vegetation with or without trees Extensive livestock.
After the categorization of the critical areas, in the landscape units and the degrees of sensitivity, a checklist will be drawn up in matrix form for each landscape unit, in which the presence of the critical elements hierarchically verified with the help of thematic maps, as shown in the analysis of factors in the TDAC methodology.
Finally, the combination of the specific sensitivity levels of each element present, results in the sensitivity for the entire conservation unit or sectors thereof.
When analyzing the spreadsheets in an interdisciplinary workshop (See TDAC methodology, analysis of Critical Areas), the higher frequency of elements with the same level of sensitivity conditions the general sensitivity. However, the existence of elements with different levels of sensitivity in specific sectors within the same unit can determine different levels of sensitivity (by sectors) within the same unit of landscape analyzed.
Once the sensitivity level has been assigned to the different landscape units, this information is represented cartographically at a scale of 1: 50,000, highlighting those variables or groups of them (elements) that determine different conditions of susceptibility to Project activities. These variables are related to properties inherent in the system, with the type of use to which the area in question is subject and with the legal restrictions imposed by current environmental regulations.
The map of Critical Area generated, as a result of the characterization, will serve as a basis to give location constraints for the actions proposed in the Management Plan, based on the identification of the critical or highly sensitive elements present.
Likewise, the environmental matrix is prepared, on which the possible effects that the activities associated with the management of the territory could generate will be evaluated.
2.2.1.5 Relationship between the environmental sensitivity of the landscape units and the characteristics of the protected area, buffer zone and zone of influence;
In the Natural Protected Areas, it is evident that the concept of landscape is extremely useful for:
- Group sites within the study space, visualize them in an integrated way, identify critical elements for the operation of the landscape units to be identified, both compartments and relationships between them. y Predict the ability of landscape units to assimilate changes or impacts, in order to keep their original condition as close as possible.
The incorporation of these tasks in socio-environmental evaluations better supports the decisions that will later be made for the integral planning of the Natural Protected Area and the buffer zone.
2.2.2 Validation phase
The validation phase is divided into two basic actions:
- The implementation of the critical area diagnosis workshop (TDAC); Field-level recognition of the results of the preparatory phase and the critical area diagnosis workshop.
2.2.2.1 Workshop for the elaboration of the diagnosis of critical areas (TDAC)
The critical area diagnosis workshop (TDAC), consists of a rapid formulation tool; it must be implemented, with the participation of the main local, regional and national actors involved in the management of natural resources.
Before the workshop
Preparation of working conditions is essential to ensure the success of the workshop.
a.1 Work team and participants
The preparation and execution of the diagnostic workshop is strategically carried out by a team.
The following participate in the workshop:
- The facilitator (planning team for the Basin, Municipality and / or Micro-basin Management Plan);; The governing body at the national level of the territory; Some representatives of civil society (NGOs and Grassroots Organizations); Representatives of sectoral institutions with direct actions in the territory, honorable neighbors and local entrepreneurs, unions, associations, cooperatives;
a.2 Training the team
The TDAC formulation team is trained in analysis of landscape ecology and existing interactions at a socio-productive and demographic level.
The content of the training focuses on the following topics:
- Preparation of support material for workshop preparation; Planning process and workshop content; Workshop preparation and organization; Documentation and management of the final product.
a.3 Workshop preparation
The planning team should have prepared:
- The information and supporting material for the workshop; The base maps for the workshop; The place of the event and logistics in general; Send and confirm the invitation of the participants;
a.4 Material and information to prepare
The main material for the workshop is a map that covers the entire territory of the Natural Protected Area on a scale that allows identifying the elements that characterize the municipality, and that are of significant importance, such as:
- Elements of natural resources and environment; rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, tourist places, populated places; urban centers, villages, hamlets, neighborhoods, major urban and rural development projects, major infrastructure; highways, railways, hydroelectric plants; education and health services of importance also for other municipalities; factories and import and export companies.
For the workshop you need at least a map copy and enough transparent material (butter paper or plastic material). Furthermore, sufficient markers and METAPLAN cards of different colors are required. The aim is to obtain some information and data that characterize in general the situation of the geographical area where the Protected Natural Area is located and its demographics. It is not thinking of large volumes of statistics or exhaustive studies and diagnoses, but rather a generalized notion based on the knowledge and lived experience of the inhabitants of the geographical area where the territory is located.
Figure No. 1 "Map of the territory"
Source: Ovalle, P / PROCARYN Project, 2002
A good map that shows all the important elements of the territory (Cuenca, Municipality and / or Municipality) is essential to visualize the conditions and strategies of development.
Workshop development
b.1 Participatory diagnosis determination of critical management areas
Consultation on critical areas is the first step to take in the workshop. It is assumed that the best information on what happens in the management and deterioration of natural resources and the environment is known in depth by the residents of the municipality. No statistics or social indicators can express what the main actors in the management of the territory feel and know.
The issues to be systematically clarified in the workshop are the framework conditions in which the territory develops.
Critical area conditions
To analyze the conditions of critical management areas, it is necessary to know all the elements of the landscape and positive and negative actions in the socio-productive, demographic and land tenure areas. The elements of analysis for the diagnosis are all the physical components of the environment or the physical effects that they produce by anthropogenic actions.
Each of these components is described below to guide the work of the workshop:
Determining factors : these are the elements that characterize the situation and condition the action, that is, the physical and natural conditions of the environment, legal determinants, commitments, obligations with consequences for physical development, limitations or restrictions that must be considered in planning. In large part, these are elements that have already been presented on the map at the biogeographic and socio-productive level.
The deficiencies are characterized by problems, weaknesses and threats arising from different factors, such as: natural resources or environmental contamination, effects that cause danger to the territory and communities, that negatively affect the environment and that normally demand investments and generally concrete actions. to be overcome or eliminated.
Potentials are the elements, opportunities or strengths and suggestions that serve to improve the general situation, such as, natural resource management, sources of financing, land reserves for natural areas or location advantages, that is, everything that It is available to the municipality to be properly incorporated into the development and it must be protected against overuse or exploitation. These determine the three axes of analysis.
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