Diagnosis of critical areas of the natural area san diego la barra el salvador

I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The present diagnostic document for critical areas has the main objective of identifying sites inside and outside the PNM that, due to their biophysical, social, historical and cultural characteristics, present limiting conditions or opportunities for planning and / or managing the protected natural area and its buffer zone.

To fulfill this purpose, the methodology based on the ecology of the landscape of the landscape is established. Next, an experimental methodology is presented with its corresponding methodological phases that can be used to carry out the diagnosis of the critical area. Two important phases are carried out, which They consist of the preparatory phase which consists of the compilation and updating of the information for the area under study and that of validation.

sustainability-and-diagnosis-of-natural-areas-1

This methodology takes into account three elements for the analysis which are:

Determining factors Deficiencies and problems Potentialities

These elements determine the sensitivity in the following parameters:

High sensitivity Medium sensitivity Low sensitivity

It also takes into account the 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.

The validation 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.

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 and administration of protected natural areas (ANP).

During the workshop, we work with maps to visualize the main strengths, opportunities, threats and weaknesses in the field of natural resources and the environment.

The drawings are made on paper or transparent plastic. It is recommended to use different colors for each map.

Along with the maps, a brief description of the facts found should be prepared.

At the end of the process there are three maps:

The determining factors to be respected and the needs for the protection and preservation of the park. The problems and deficiencies to eliminate and the demands for actions of management, conservation and protection of natural resources and the environment; The potentialities to be exploited and the needs for sustainability. development.

Starting from the basic principle of presenting, the problems identified based on the environmental sensitivity parameters established in the methodological framework, using the maps generated in the preparatory phase and validated in the TDAC, overlap by defining the identified sites as critical areas..

Critical Areas can be analyzed according to evident demands and subdivided into strategic areas:

Areas of preservation and protection, that is, of restrictions for development; Areas of sustainable development of natural resources or irrational management of natural resources; Areas of revitalization and development of infrastructure and economic activities with positive or negative effects for the management of the ANP; Urban and agricultural development areas with positive or negative effects for the management of the ANP; Areas of use and special interest.

A parallel matrix to the map of critical areas must be generated, indicating the factors that influenced the selection or identification by the participants as a “Critical Area”, developing it in three specific areas: 1. Protection of biodiversity (ecology of the landscape); 2. Socio productive effects; and 3. Agrarian conflicts (type of land tenure):

To achieve prioritization in a participatory way, you can work with two different methods:

Prioritization by preference of groups or individuals; Prioritization by factors that influence the selection of critical areas of the Park.

Field-level recognition of the results of the preparatory phase and the critical area diagnosis workshop.

After the workshop, the planning team gathers the data collected during the workshop, combining them with the secondary information analyzed during the preparatory phase, developing a field survey proposal that allows:

Verify the data obtained from the preparatory phase and the TDAC; Validate the map of critical management areas, developed during the TDAC; Consolidate the primary and secondary information obtained in the preparatory phase and in the TDAC; Obtain panoramic photographs of the identified critical areas and georeference for the final maps.

Biogeographic and Socioeconomic aspects are of great importance for the development of the diagnosis, so we have the description of the following aspects:

Location: Montecristo National Park is located 5 km northeast of the city of Metapán, in what was once the Hacienda San José Ingenio, it is part of the Cantons of San José Ingenio, El Limo and El Rosario, all of the Municipality of Metapán (CD-2 MARN, 2000).

Soil: The study area, according to the land classification of El Salvador, contains land class VI, VII and VIII according to the pedological classification, it belongs to Soils Latosoles Arcillo Rojizos; Land Use Class: Marginal Agricultural Development with little agricultural capacity The current use in the buffer zone of the park is that most of it is grassland, remnants of conifer forest and agricultural crops of clean crops on slopes.

Topography: Presenting slopes greater than 25%. It is characterized by three forms of relief: Mountain, Mountain Foot and Flat Zones. This formation causes an altitude gradient of 450 to 2418 masl to exist.

Climate: The predominant characteristics of the climate of the area are: Temperature: Moderate and oscillate between 15º and 25º, registering the highest in the month of April and the lowest in the months of December to January.

Relative Humidity: Average Annual Relative Humidity ranges from 70% to 88% Evapotranspiration: ranges from 900 to 1,600 mm per year. The annual average pluvial precipitations fluctuate between 1500 and 2,100 mm.

Biological Features: The area where the study area is located has varied biophysical characteristics, in terms of vegetation, are the types of tropical forest Ombrofilo sub montano, sub montana de coniferous, forest plantations of pine and cypress, coffee crops, semi-deciduous lowland ombrófila and closed vegetation evergreen tropical ombrófila montana nubosa.

Another important factor we have Socioeconomic aspects such as:

Population: The cantons of El Brujo, El Limo, San José Ingenio, El Carrizalillo, El Rosario and El Talquezalar, corresponding to 2,258 men and 2,126 women

Population Education: Most of the communities that are part of the study area have a very low level of education that in most cases only teach up to sixth grade only in the communities of El Brujo and Honduritas teach up to eighth grade; Table 4 shows the student population of the communities in the study area in detail.

Public Health: For residents who live more than 15 kilometers from Metapán, access to public health services is a problem they face on a daily basis, mainly to provide care to children who are permanently suffering from diarrheal, respiratory, dengue, flu and malnutrition, a case that happens in most communities.

Regional Economy: The study area depends on the cultivation of corn, beans and corn as a subsistence activity, but one of the activities that occupies the greatest importance in the area is extensive livestock farming, which reaches 20% depending on livestock and 10% of timber production and breeding of minor species; The average salary they receive per day is 30 colones per day, equivalent to $ 3.43. This level of income does not allow them to cover their needs for: food, clothing, health, housing, and education; hence, poverty levels in the countryside are well marked in the area under study. There are also organizational and infrastructure aspects that are taken as an important part of the diagnosis of critical areas.

Among the results we find a very important factor are the strengths and the most outstanding in the communities

An important aspect of the communities is that they have School Centers that teach from kindergarten to eighth grade, which allows reducing the degree of illiteracy that exists in addition to improving the possibilities of development of the communities. Community organization in ADESCOS and other educational organizations. Most of them have basic services such as electricity and drinking water. The largest number of people in the area practice the same religion, which makes them more united.

So also inside the park

Generally, in the upper part, both north west and east of the park, there are good scenic scenarios and abundant water sources due to the vegetation that the area still possesses. Abundance of water resources inside and outside the Protected Area. Recreation and tourism opportunities in the PNM.Diversity of abundant flora and fauna species.

Conflicts were also identified as:

There is discontent among the population with the park administration, because they are ignored and there is no communication that allows them to discuss the problems of the Honduritas and the park communities; Since they are close to this, they have to share certain structures such as the court and the roads, situations that generate conflicts among others. One of the important problems is that the majority of the population does not have land to cultivate and they have to rent to private individuals. In addition to the lack of their own house, they estimated that the isolation they have been subjected to by the administration in terms of access with horses and use of the soccer field in the park, is causing friction that generates discomfort within community members.In relation to Natural Resources, there is considerable pressure due to the indiscriminate cutting of trees for commercial use. Reducing forest cover and increasing cultivation and pasture areas, endangering the existence of some plant and animal species present in the area. Another problem that the community has is the lack of access roads since the only Villa to the community is Very difficult because it is very narrow and the terrain is very steep and rugged. The community does not currently have a medical clinic that allows them to satisfy their basic health problems, since they have to walk 20 km to the city of Metapán to satisfy their needs. health needs.In relation to Natural Resources, there is considerable pressure due to the indiscriminate cutting of trees for commercial use in areas surrounding the park. Reducing forest cover and increasing cultivation and pasture areas, endangering the existence of some plant and animal species present in the area.

The results of the validation phase were obtained in two phases; The first was a workshop in Montecristo critical areas with community representatives and institutions with a presence in the area (see Annex 1). Where the critical areas in physical form were established in approximate maps, then a field validation of the physical places described as critical was carried out.

So we have the priority conditionals:

1.Internal and external communities: Those that are within the park causing a negative impact to the area due to the deterioration of biodiversity and noise impacts caused within. The communities in the buffer zone because they are not governed by any special law, cause greater damage in the area and put pressure on the PNM resources.

2. Forest fires Mainly in the dry season they are a serious problem in the area, because they degrade the biodiversity of plant and animal species. These are caused in some cases by people living within the area, but mostly caused by people living outside, who in many cases are the same hunters.

3. Within the Park, forest plantations with exotic species are a problem. There are forest and coffee plantations within the park that disturb the native flora and are not in accordance with the conservation objectives of the PNM.

4. Watershed Headers: These are not receiving adequate management

5.Erosion: It is more accentuated in the buffer zone. Due Agriculture on slopes due to the very rugged topography in the whole area, added the way of cultivating without a technical base in most cases causes increased erosion and therefore the impoverishment of the soil.

The priority deficiencies of the Montecristo National Park and its region.

1.Cárcavas: There is a landslide from the Mira Mundo hill and others that need treatment within the park, but that problem is more serious outside the park since there is no treatment by the landowners; This also adds to the little institutional support to deal with this problem.

2. Internal communities: These because they are located within the park, are: the causes of a series of problems related to the environment in general and are located in very delicate areas and there is no political will to relocate them

3. Arson fires: During the dry season, a series of fires are caused by the people who live inside and outside the communities and there is no adequate equipment to control them.

4.Tourism in the Core area: This causes a serious impact on the fauna of the place, so it should be zoned to prevent tourists from entering that area.

5.Lack of technical assistance: There should be a technical assistance plan for buffer zones, to guide the management of natural resources

Analysis of the Potentialities:

1.Alliances between actors: There are different local actors that can organize for disaster prevention.

2. Preserved Private Properties: In the adjacent parts of the upper area of the park, there are some private properties that are very well preserved and should be purchased by the state to integrate them into the park and expand it and improve the shape of the park's polygon and contribute with biological corridors

3. Community organization: There is some community organization for fire control. and working with them could improve disaster prevention

4. Scenic Beauty: There are beautiful landscapes both with panoramic views, unique vegetation in the area, waterfalls and a pleasant climate that can be used for tourism

5. Water Recharge: There is a large network of rivers and water sources that arise from the park and surrounding areas that constitute one of the greatest riches in terms of Park Natural Resources

For the analysis of Factors that determine the Critical Areas were determined

-Because of its geographical location

-Micro basin

-Kind of property

-Similarity of determining factors, deficiencies and potentialities

-Use of floors

-Close-up of Critical points

Being identified:

1 Limo - Warlock

2.Low part of Montecristo park

3.Middle part of Montecristo park

4.High Part of Montecristo Park

5.Rosario - Honduritas

4. CONCULSIONS

1. The critical areas of the Park and its region are distributed in a dispersed way, which is why it is necessary to sub-divide them into five critical areas to better target them and in this way seek actions in an integral way in each of them.

2. According to prioritization and sectorization, there are many determining factors, deficiencies and priorities that are found in a generalized way.

3.One of the most important critical areas that could be determined is the inadequate management of the water resource and which constitutes a conditioning factor, deficiency and potential of the Montecristo National Park.

4. Another important factor is the aspects of land use and increase of the agricultural frontier towards the remnants of forest and the pressure on the natural resources of the park and its buffer zone. The lack of a guiding instrument for the adequate management of natural resources inside and outside the park

5. Lack of institutional involvement in planning and technical support towards the management of the natural resources of the area.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Make a joint planning by critical area according to the subdivision made.

2.Prioritize the components of the critical areas taking into account the modifiable and non-modifiable, for planning actions

3. Look for inter-institutional integration mechanisms to develop corrective actions for critical areas

4.Develop mechanisms of management structures such as the micro basin as a form of organization, to look for common problems such as water potential.

Introduction

The Diagnosis of Critical Areas for the Montecristo National Park and its surrounding area is based on the ecology of the landscape and for its characterization it is necessary to collect and update the information and validation through workshops and field recognition with a participatory, rapid approach. functional and objective with an applied scientific model.

This process begins with the integrated characterization of the landscape units, the definition of environmentally critical elements and the identification of the environmental sensitivity of those units, as well as the socioeconomic aspects of the study area.

Each unit of the landscape 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 affected positively or negatively, in order to be able to predict the magnitude of the obstacles, opportunities and / or changes expected with the implementation of management actions.

It has been considered that the formulation of the "Diagnosis of Critical Areas" (DAC), is one of the studies of greatest importance and support for the formulation of the management plan of the Montecristo National Park as well as for other ANP, for these purposes the study is It will be called characterization of critical management areas, to obtain operational schemes for each landscape unit, where the relevant compartments and relationships for its operation are highlighted.

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, with the aim of identifying sites inside and outside the protected natural areas that Due to their biophysical, social, historical and cultural characteristics, they present limiting conditions or opportunities for planning and / or managing the Montecristo National Park and its buffer zone, this information is obtained through consultation with key stakeholders and geo-referenced verification of field on the location and situation of sites considered critical.

goals

ii General objective

Identify sites inside and outside the PNM that, due to their biophysical, social, historical and cultural characteristics, present limiting conditions or opportunities for planning and / or managing the protected natural area and its buffer zone.

iii.specific objectives

Obtain information through consultation with key actors (local leaders and institutions) on the location and situation of sites considered critical for planning and / or managing the PNM and its buffer zone. Critical areas that affect or may positively or negatively affect the planning, management and administration of the PNM and its buffer zone. Obtain input for decision-making regarding the treatment to be applied to the critical areas identified in the PNM.

1.Methodology

The development of the diagnosis of Critical Area based on landscape ecology. An experimental methodology is presented below 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 to to strengthen the sustainable development of Natural Protected Areas.

Preparatory phase

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.

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).

Elements for critical area analysis

Determining factors Deficiencies and problems Potentialities

Determining factors: they are the elements that characterize the situation and condition the action, that is, 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 many times. as elements to be preserved. In large part, these are elements that have already been presented on the map at the biogeographic and production partner 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 ANP and the 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.

Identification of environmental sensitivity for landscape units

High sensitivity; Medium sensitivity; Low sensitivity.

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.

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.

Workshop for the elaboration of the diagnosis of critical areas (TDAC)

Presentation of the results in the workshop

During the workshop, we work with maps to visualize the main strengths, opportunities, threats and weaknesses in the field of natural resources and the environment. The drawings are made on paper or transparent plastic. It is recommended to use different colors for each map. Along with the maps, a brief description of the facts found should be prepared. At the end of the process there are three maps:

The conditions to be respected and the needs for the protection and preservation of the park, the problems and deficiencies to be eliminated and the demands for management, conservation and protection actions of natural resources and the environment; the potentialities to be exploited and the needs for sustainability development;

Step No. 1 "Determination of Critical Areas and Composition of map of critical areas"

Critical Areas can be analyzed according to evident demands and subdivided into strategic areas:

Areas of preservation and protection, that is, of restrictions for development; Areas of sustainable development of natural resources or irrational management of natural resources; Areas of revitalization and development of infrastructure and economic activities with positive or negative effects for the management of the ANP; Urban and agricultural development areas with positive or negative effects for the management of the ANP; Areas of use and special interest.

Step No. 2 "Analysis of factors that determine critical areas"

A parallel matrix to the map of critical areas must be generated, indicating the factors that influenced the selection or identification by the participants as a "Critical Area", developing it in three specific areas:

Protection of biodiversity (landscape ecology) Effects Productive partner

3. Agrarian conflicts (type of land tenure):

Step No. 3 "Prioritization of factors that determine Critical Areas"

To achieve prioritization in a participatory way, you can work with two different methods:

Prioritization by preference of groups or individuals; Prioritization by factors that influence the selection of critical areas of the Park.

Field-level recognition of the results of the preparatory phase and the critical area diagnosis workshop.

Verify the data obtained from the preparatory phase and the TDAC; Validate the map of critical management areas, developed during the TDAC; Consolidate the primary and secondary information obtained in the preparatory phase and in the TDAC; Obtain panoramic photographs of the identified critical areas and georeference for the final maps.

Critical areas methodology taken from (Morales and Melgar, 2002), for more information consult it.

2. Biogeographical and Socioeconomic Aspects

2.1 Biogeographical Aspects

Location

Montecristo National Park is located 5 km north-east of the city of Metapán, in what was once the Hacienda San José Ingenio, it is part of the Cantons of San José Ingenio, El Limo and El Rosario, all of the Municipality of Metapán (CD-2 MARN, 2000).

Floor

The study area, according to the land classification of El Salvador, contains land class VI, VII and VIII

Limited Use Lands, Generally not suitable for Intensive Crops

Class VI Lands of this class have very severe limitations that make it inappropriate for intensive cultivation and limit it for permanent crops such as fruit trees, forests and meadows. Careful conservation and management measures are required.

Class VII Lands with very severe limitations that make them unsuitable for crops. They restrict their use for permanent vegetation such as forests and grasslands which require very careful management. These lands have permanent limitations that are generally very steep slopes and very shallow soils.

Class VIII Land in this class is restricted for agricultural use. Suitable only for permanent vegetation for wildlife protection or recreation.

MARN Geographic Information System Source (CD-2 2000)

according to the pedological classification, it belongs to Red Clay Red Latosoles; Land Use Class: Marginal Agricultural Development with little agricultural capacity the current use in the buffer zone of the park is that most of it is for pastures, remnant of conifer forest and agricultural crops of clean crops on slopes and Geological classification: Conglomerates of Quartz and Red Limestone, Sandstones, Vulcanitas intercalations, which belongs to the Metapan Formation _ sub formation _ Subinal, which oldest belonging to the Jurassic-Cretatic era (German Geological Mission in El Salvador in collaboration with the Center of Geotechnical Studies and Research 1967-1971) See Map No.1

Topography

The topography of the area is rugged in three quarters of its surface, presenting slopes greater than 25%. It is characterized by three forms of relief: Mountain, Mountain Foot and Flat Zones. This formation causes an altitude gradient from 450 to 2423 to exist. The mountainous area has shallow soils and rocky outcrops. The Pie de Monte is not very noticeable because the steep reliefs reach the flat relief parts. The Flat parts formed by -alluvial plains, have been moderated by soil movements by gravity and by river currents.

Hidric resource

In the area there is a considerable amount of water sources such as rivers, streams and ravines that form a dendritic drainage that supplies the lower part of Metapán. In the misty forest of Montecristo a large number of streams are formed which give rise to 5 rivers of importance in the region, the water network of these is formed as follows: El Sesteadero stream that gives rise to the San José River, Quebrada las Huertas that together with the Las Minas gorge and the Hondurona form the Rosario River, Quebrada el Guatal Pando and the chorrera that give rise to the Amayo or Limo river, Los Hornos gorge and El Tigre gorge.

A little further out of the park is the El Brujo river, which serves as the border limit between El Salvador and Guatemala, it receives several names along its route, among others Frío, Anguiatu and Agüe, which flows into Lake Güija.

Río San Miguel Ingenio, called Cañas Dulces, joins Rosario and forms the Tahuilapa, which flows into the Lempa

The diagnostic study region is of great importance for the entire region as it is the aquifer recharge zone for the lower parts where population concentrations are found.

Weather

The predominant characteristics of the climate of the area are: Temperature: Moderate and oscillate between 15º and 25º, registering the highest in the month of April and the lowest in the months of December to January, these temperatures vary according to the seasons of the year, the altitudes and wooded part. Precipitation: Average annual rainfall falls between 1500 and 2,100 mm. Relative Humidity: Average Annual Relative Humidity ranges from 70% to 88% evapotranspiration: it ranges from 900 to 1,600 mm per year.

Biological Traits

The area where the study area is located has varied biophysical characteristics, in terms of vegetation, the types of tropical forest are Ombrofilo sub montano, sub montana de coniferous, forest plantations of pine and cypress, coffee crops, semi ombrófila deciduous lowland and closed vegetation evergreen tropical ombrogila cloud montane. As for the vegetation outside the park, the following is found: In the southern part, sorghum and bean crops are bounded mainly by the agricultural border, to the north by cloud vegetation, to the west by areas of natural forest of Caoba-Encino -Pino and pine and cypress forest plantations which are delimited with bare areas used for paddocks and other crops, to the east by natural forest of Pino-Encino, artificial of Pino,Interleaved broadleaf natural forest, clean crops and extensive livestock. See Map No.3

The cloud stratum is part of the great landscape of the Cordillera Norte and is characterized by its greater diversity of Orchids at the National level (of the 300 spp. Identified for El Salvador, 75% correspond to the Montecristo National Park), greater diversity of Epiphytes, Giant tree ferns, forest species of Podocarpus and Cyatea sp., Mosses, Bromeliads and Araceas mainly.

As for the fauna of the place, it houses a diversity of species that some are endangered in terms of birds: the Black Chacha, Quetzal (Pharomachus muccinus), Green Toucan (Aulacorhichus prasinus), Collared Toucan (Pteroglosus torcuatus)), Torogoz (Aspatha gularis, Eumomota superciliosa, Momota momosus), Myadestes incolor Gully, Myadestes occidentalis, nocturnal and diurnal birds of prey such as Owls and Hawks (Buteo sp).

Mammals Red Deer (Mazzama americana), Puma (Puma concolor), Tigrillos (Leopardus wiedii), Cuches de Monte (Tayassu pecari), Micoleón (potos flavus), Uyos (Bassariscus sumichrasti), Spider Monkey (Áteles geoffroyi), Ocelote (Leopardus pardilis), Skunks (Conepatus mesoleucus, Spilogale putorius, Mephitis macroura), Tepezcuintle (Agouti paca), Cotuzas (Dasyprocta punctata), Wild Cat (Herpailurrs yaguaroundi), Wild Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), Tayra (Eira barorra) Gris (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), Pezote (Nasua narica), Raccoon (Procyon lotor), Cusuco (Dasypus novemcinctus), Weasel (Mustela frenata), Grisón (Galictis vittata).

Bat Diversity such as Nectarifers, Frugivores, Insectivores and Vampires.

Reptiles such as Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalaria sp), Boas (Boa constrictor), Bejuquillas, Coral (Mycrurus sp)

Amphibians such as Tree Frogs, endemic species of Cloud Forest Salamanders and a wide range of insects.

Endemic plant species

In the case of flora, new species for science have been found in the Park such as the following: Ferns: 6 (Seiler, 1980), Orchids: 2 (new), 38 (endemic) (Hamer, 1981), Bromeliads: 2 (Rohwder, 1956), Herbs and shrubs: 4 (Rhowder, 1955, Villacorta. Pers. Comm.) And Trees: 2 (Fryxell, 1980; Lundell, 1981)

2.2 Socioeconomic Aspects

2.2.1 Population

The projection of the population of the study area for the year 2002 is 4384, inhabitants; This includes the cantons of El Brujo, El Limo, San José Ingenio, El Carrizalillo, El Rosario and El Talquezalar, corresponding to 2,258 men and 2,126 women described in Table No.2.

This projection has been based on the last population census of 1992. carried out by Statistics and Censuses of El Salvador, through the Ministry of Economy. The growth rate of 29.02 births / 1,000 people and a mortality rate of 6.27 deaths / 1,000 people have been considered.

For the purposes of this diagnosis, we will emphasize the population within the park, which is concentrated in two dispersed communities and families in the Los Planes sector.

According to the last census of January 2002, carried out by the Health Promoter of the Salvadoran Association for Rural Health (ASAPROSAR), 414 people live in El Caserío Buena Vista, 78 families, of whom 204 are female and 210 of the Male gender. See detail in table No. 3

The Majadita community carried out a population census with the support of the health volunteer and president of the ACE (Isolina Carrillo), obtaining the following data described in table No.4:

2.2.2 Population Education

Most of the communities that are part of the study area have a very low level of education that in most cases only teach up to sixth grade only in the communities of El Brujo and Honduritas teach up to eighth grade; Table No. 5 shows the student population of the communities in the study area in detail.

2.2.3 Public Health

The inhabitants of the interior of the Montecristo Park to cure their minor illnesses have access to a health unit located in the El Cobano hamlet which assists slightly mild illnesses but to cure more serious illnesses, they have to travel to the city of Metapán where it exists. a Hospital Center that cares for all the inhabitants of the area; Some communities also have the service of health promoters and delivery care, by midwives authorized by the Ministry of Health.

For residents living more than 15 kilometers from Metapán, access to public health services is a problem they face on a daily basis, mainly to provide care to children who are permanently suffering from diarrheal, respiratory, dengue, flu and malnutrition diseases. case that happens in most communities.

2.2.4 Housing

The houses that exist in the communities are mostly made of adobe and bahareque, but in the buffer zone there are mixed-system houses; the roofs are mostly tile, but there are some made of galvanized sheet and asbestos; the floor of cement slab, decorated brick and earth mainly. For the construction of some of these houses within the Park, there was collaboration from the Government of El Salvador, based on an agreement with the previous owner of the property.

Regarding housing within the Protected Area, one of the distressing situations for each family is that once it deteriorates, it is almost difficult for it to be repaired, because the park's regulations do not allow the introduction of construction materials..

In the other communities, a change in housing can be observed, since many families receive financial help from abroad.

2.2.5 Drinking Water

Inside the park, all people have a gravity-driven water system from the water sources within the forest, so they do not pay any type of tax, only the cost of polyduct pipes to conduct the water; The same is true of the communities in the southern part of the park. The communities in the western and eastern part of the Protected Area have a different system because in most cases the water sources are not as abundant and do not have a distribution system to the houses.

2.2.6 Communication and transportation

Telephone communication is done through cell phones under the prepaid card system that some communities use in emergencies. Fixed line phones only exist in two communities.

Communication via broadcasting is one of the most effective, since there are 3 stations that have a reach at the departmental level and about 4 at the national level. The written press does not reach the communities, they have to acquire them in the city of Metapán, just as the mail service is provided through private mails, as well as national mails that deliver correspondence to those interested in their office (Metapan) when they come to consult, since there is a lot of family remittance in some cantons more than others.

Television is also part of the majority of homes where there is energy, and there is a local cable service system at the city level of Metapan that offers the transmission of foreign channels.

Transportation is by local roads, this is limited to pick up, which charge the fare at higher prices than the city for the poor condition of the streets, there is a bus that passes through San Miguel Ingenio, Los Planes de Cítala and other small communities until reaching Cítala.

The improved roads are extending to the highest parts of the mountain range around Montecristo which are being built with the support of the municipality and in other cases are the private owners around the Park.

2.2.7 Electric Lighting Service

In the poorest communities and remote from urban areas, there are still 40% who do not have an electric power system; mainly in those hamlets that are in the North East and Northwest part of the PNM. Due to the remoteness of these communities, investments for private electric power companies may be less attractive and local governments do not have sufficient resources to allocate them to these areas, since they are not of priority interest.

2.2.8 Garbage Collection System

Currently there is no collection service in any community, however in San José Ingenio there is an environmental committee that aims to collect the garbage and move it to the municipal garbage dump of Santa Ana, this committee provides training on the treatment of garbage to the population, Having currently achieved that 90% have some treatment system and the remaining 10%, it is in a process of change, however due to the costs of moving the garbage, the project is no longer running. In the rest of the communities they limit themselves to burning it in the best case, to burying it, throwing it in the street or in the patio.

The solid and liquid wastes are dumped directly into the paddocks or streams, which with the rainwater will directly flow into the rivers located in the study area. In some cantons, families deposit their feces outdoors, generating sources of contamination.

2.2.9 Security

Public security is provided by the Metapan delegation, which covers the entire area, there being joint task forces with the Armed Forces (GTC), in some cantons of the study area.

Within the park there is a permanent military position in the community of Majadita, in addition the park's resource guards carry out patrols within the park to prevent hunting and illegal logging and other activities that are not allowed in the park, providing security for Park visitors and communities within the park.

2.2.10 Recreation.

In general, there is a soccer field in each community which serves for the recreation of the population, although in San José Ingenio and Majaditas, they cannot hold sports matches with other communities due to Park regulations, one of the most outstanding attractions is the matches Major League soccer team that the city of Metapan owns. The inhabitants also entertain themselves in the Rivers and the Park itself.

In the city of Metapán as in the communities they have religious celebrations called Patronal festivals where different activities are carried out in each community.

2.2.11 Regional Economy.

The families that live in the study area depend on the cultivation of corn, beans and corn as a subsistence activity, but one of the activities that occupies the greatest importance in the area is extensive livestock farming, which reaches 20% depending on the livestock and 10% of timber production and breeding of minor species; The average salary they receive per day is 30 colones per day, equivalent to $ 3.43. This level of income does not allow them to cover their needs for: food, clothing, health, housing, and education; hence, poverty levels in the countryside are well marked in the area under study.

The dependence on few production alternatives, the low prices of their products, lack of techniques and innovation in their processes and types of crops, droughts and increased production costs, have not allowed them to generate saving capacity, which is why the Villagers tend to migrate to the United States of America, from where the generation of foreign currency is sedated to 25% of the population of the communities according to interviews.

A minimum percentage of the residents of the communities in the area are employed in the cement industry, which helps them to obtain a better income compared to those obtained from planting basic grains.

People who live inside the PNM go out to sell the labor force to different places in Metapán or rent land outside the park to carry out subsistence agriculture.

2.2.12 Land tenure:

In the case of the San José Ingenio and Majaditas communities, one hundred percent of the population lives as settlers, since they live on State lands, which for subsistence have to lease land around the Park, in Minifundio is practiced in the rest of the neighboring communities and in very few cases there are still latifundios and a large number lease land to carry out agricultural activities mainly.

2.3. Administrative and Community Organization.

The administrative organization of the park is under the administration of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources MARN. The administration of the surrounding areas are private and jurisdictionally belong to the municipality of Metapán.

As for the community organization, it is made up of ADESCOS Community Development Associations in the cantons of Limo, Rosario, San José Ingenio ADESCOREM and Carrizalillo, these have the purpose of seeking the integral development of the inhabitants of the communities, Communal Associations for the ACE Education, CDE School Boards whose purpose is to coordinate the part of education specifically and Development Committees for specific projects mainly Water, Electrification, Streets and others.

2.4 Basic Infrastructure

2.4.1 Within communities

The surrounding streets due to the predominant relief are in poor condition, all the communities have churches, as well as schools, only in the case of Rosario el Limo, Carrizalillo and Honduritas they do not have formal infrastructure, they operate in provisional places.

2.4.2 Inside the Montecristo National Park

The infrastructure of the Montecristo National Park is made up of administrative offices, Research and for public use it is connected by access roads which in winter makes access difficult.

2.5 Outstanding Strengths

2.5.1 Among the most outstanding strengths in the communities are the following

An important aspect of the communities is that they have School Centers that teach from kindergarten to eighth grade, which allows reducing the degree of illiteracy that exists in addition to improving the possibilities of development of the communities. Community organization in ADESCOS and other educational organizations. Most of them have basic services such as electricity and drinking water. The largest number of people in the area practice the same religion, which makes them more united.

2.5.2 The following strengths were identified within the Park:

Generally, in the upper part, both north west and east of the park, there are good scenic scenarios and abundant water sources due to the vegetation that the area still possesses. Abundance of water resources inside and outside the Protected Area. Recreation and tourism opportunities in the PNM.Diversity of abundant flora and fauna species.

2.6 Open or latent conflicts

There is discontent among the population with the park administration, because they are ignored and there is no communication that allows them to discuss the problems of the Honduritas and the park communities; Since they are close to this, they have to share certain structures such as the court and the roads, situations that generate conflicts among others. One of the important problems is that the majority of the population does not have land to cultivate and they have to rent to private individuals. In addition to the lack of their own house, they estimated that the isolation they have been subjected to by the administration regarding access with horses and use of the soccer field in the park, is causing friction that generates discomfort within community members.In relation to Natural Resources, there is considerable pressure due to the indiscriminate cutting of trees for commercial use. Reducing forest cover and increasing cultivation and pasture areas, endangering the existence of some plant and animal species present in the area. Another problem that the community has is the lack of access roads since the only Villa to the community is Very difficult because it is very narrow and the terrain is very steep and rugged. The community does not currently have a medical clinic that allows them to meet their basic health problems since they have to walk 20 km to the city of Metapán to meet their needs. In relation to Natural Resources, there is considerable pressure due to the indiscriminate cutting of trees for commercial use in areas surrounding the park.Reducing forest cover and increasing cultivation and pasture areas, endangering the existence of some plant and animal species present in the area.

2.7 Management, conservation and protection of natural resources and the environment

Currently, in most private properties, there is mismanagement of natural resources, due to the deterioration of resources and poor cultivation practices and extensive livestock farming within the Montecristo National Park. There are management deficiencies due to various factors, which makes protection and conservation difficult. effective natural resources within the park, both in the buffer zone and within the park there is no planning for the management of natural resources, the actions are carried out in a reasonable way with legal support of the law of wildlife and environment in which there is some orientation to the management of natural resources

in the natural areas within the country's protected area system, in the buffer zone to date there is no technical assistance and / or support to guide the proper management of natural resources, the pressure being placed on the resources of the Montecristo mountainous area is large despite the fact that it is a fragile ecosystem and of great biological importance, and stability of its soil and as an aquifer recharge for the lower parts, all this makes it necessary to establish adequate management to guarantee the sustainability of resources natural for the benefit of the inhabitants of the region.

3.Results of the Preparatory and Validation Phase

For the verification of the points, the georeference with a GPS Magellan and another Garmin of an accuracy of more or less 5 - 10 meters was used, which were emptied in an information collection form See annex No.2

3.1 Descriptive analysis of generated thematic maps

The established themes for the development of the diagnosis of critical areas we have:

So we have the priority conditionals:

Internal and external communities: Those found within the park causing a negative impact on the area due to the deterioration of biodiversity and noise impacts caused within. The communities in the buffer zone, because they are not governed by any special law, cause greater damage in the area and put pressure on the PNM resources. Forest fires Mainly in the dry season they are a serious problem in the area, because they degrade the biodiversity of species vegetables and animals. These are caused in some cases by people who live within the area, but most of them are caused by people who live outside, who in many cases are the same hunters. Inside the Park, forest plantations with exotic species are a problem.There are forest and coffee plantations within the park that disturb the native flora and are not in accordance with the conservation objectives of the PNM. Headwaters of Watersheds: These are not receiving adequate management. Erosion: It is more pronounced in the buffer zone. Due Agriculture on slopes due to the very rugged topography in the whole area, added the way of cultivating without a technical base in most cases causes increased erosion and therefore the impoverishment of the soil.Adding the way of cultivating without a technical base in most cases causes increased erosion and therefore the impoverishment of the soil.Adding the way of cultivating without a technical base in most cases causes increased erosion and therefore the impoverishment of the soil.

3.1.4 Analysis of deficiencies

The priority deficiencies of the Montecristo National Park and its region.

3. Arson fires: During the dry season, a series of fires are caused by the people who live inside and outside the communities and there is no adequate equipment to control them.

4.Tourism in the Core area: This causes a serious impact on the fauna of the place, so it should be zoned to prevent tourists from entering that area.

5.Lack of technical assistance: There should be a technical assistance plan for buffer zones, to guide the management of natural resources

3.1.5 The Potentials of the Montecristo National Park and its region.

3.1.5 Analysis of Potentialities

No. Analysis Potentials

Cultural Heritage Within the facilities of the Montecristo Park there are valuable jewels as The colonial helmet, colonial chapel and has a lot of tourist potential. (Table 1 and 3) The Internal road: Due to the state it is in, it allows tourism to attend the park to be selective and not have much impact on the forest, but it also facilitates access for researchers and park personnel. Human: Communities can become an important resource for the conservation of resources, since they can conscientiously conserve themselves to organize themselves to prevent hunting and fires. Interpretation Center: It is another attraction to the area. between three countries and in a very high place, they have a certain tourist potential Very high biodiversity in the area:The Montecristo National Park is a producing area of wild fauna and flora and houses a series of endemic species and others in danger of extinction. Water Recharge: There is a large network of rivers and water sources that originate from the park and surrounding areas that constitute one of the greatest riches in terms of the Park's Natural Resources. Community organization: There is some community organization for fire control. and working with them could improve disaster prevention. Climate Regulation: Montecristo Park serves as a regulator of the climate of the area as well as offering environmental services such as: Water. CO2 fixation, among others. Forest Plantations: There is a good number of forest plantations within the park that can be used for its infrastructure.Alliances between actors: There are different local actors that can be organized for disaster prevention. Private Conserved Properties: In the adjacent parts of the upper area of the park, there are some private properties that are very well preserved and should be purchased by the state to integrate them into the park and expand it and improve the shape of its polygon and contribute to the biological corridors. Research: The Montecristo park serves and has been used to carry out biological research and there are many that should be done in the future for its well-being. Wildlife: The same crops in the buffer zone feed wildlife, although they are in danger there. Neighborhood Roads: Neighborhood roads in some way help development. Deforestation:Sustainable use. Livestock in the buffer zone: In a way it gives economic benefits and the area allows the maintenance of livestock without much cost. Electric Energy: It generates development and also reduces the impact on Natural Resources by the population. Scenic Beauty: There are beautiful landscapes both with panoramic views, unique vegetation in the area, waterfalls and a pleasant climate that can be used for tourism. Protection Infrastructure: These structures have given life to the park and together with natural regeneration and forest plantations have stabilized in fragile soil that exists in the area. Biological Corridors: In the areas surrounding the cloud forest there is a good amount of vegetation that helps fauna to move to other areas serving as a biological corridor.Plants with medicinal properties: They can be used to create medicinal nurseries. Environmental services: Go to 9 for similarity. Surveillance Infrastructure: There is a network of fire surveillance and control infrastructures that favor the development of prevention and mitigation activities.

Access Villas: In one way or another the internal road helps to communicate between the different sites of the park. State Administration: It has allowed greater stability to the personnel and therefore better conserve Natural Resources. Resource Guard Team: Experienced and with a lot of professional ethics. Legality of the PA: It has allowed better conservation of the area. Recreation areas: There are some areas that work for tourism and are well structured. Infrastructure for monitoring climate and climatic factors and research: There is a team to climate monitoring in the area, earthquake record and cabin for scientific support which help research the area.

Analysis of the Potentialities:

Alliances between actors: There are different local actors that can be organized for disaster prevention. Private Conserved Properties: In the adjacent parts of the upper area of the park, there are some private properties that are very well preserved and should be purchased by the state to integrate them into the park and expand it and improve the shape of the park and contribute to the biological corridors Community organization: There is some community organization for fire control. and working with them could improve disaster prevention Scenic Beauty: There are beautiful landscapes as well as panoramic views, unique vegetation in the area, waterfalls and a pleasant climate that can be used for tourism Water Recharge:There is a large network of rivers and water sources that arise from the park and surrounding areas that constitute one of the greatest riches in terms of Park Natural Resources.

3.2. Analysis of Factors that determine the Critical Areas

The factors that determined the critical areas were:

- Due to its geographical location

- Micro basin

- Kind of property

- Similarity of conditioning factors, deficiencies and potentialities

- Land use

- Critical points approach, With the mentioned criteria five critical areas were defined see Map No. 7

Critical zones identified:

The critical areas that were identified by the number of critical sites found in each are the following:

Rosario - Honduritas: It constitutes a total area of 5,969,080 hectares taking into account the Rosario River basin. Lower part of Montecristo Park: It has a total extension of 618,784 hectares, where there is a greater human presence within the park, in addition to public use within the park. Middle part of the park Montecristo: It has an extension of 937,019 hectares is the part with soil stability problems.Part Alta del Montecristo Park: It has an extension of 644,771 hectares is the part of transitional forest and nebulous has greater problem of public use near the core of the park. Limo - El Brujo: With an extension of 4927,477 hectares with strong activities of extensive cattle ranching and illegal hunting.

4. CONCULSIONS

Critical area No. 1

The critical area no.1 nominated rosario has determining factors and deficiencies that make it critical areas that require specific attention for orientation in the proper use of soils by steep slopes with agricultural activities not compatible with the river basin of El rosario in which It is necessary to provide attention since the city of Metapán is supplied from this basin. There is a remnant of misty forest that requires protection of fauna and flora, as well as forest fires since it is the area with the highest incidence. There are new streets opening that approach the nucleus of the nebulous which requires an ordering and definition of the development of this area. There are subsistence agriculture with the potential to establish more profitable crops.

Critical Area No.2

It is where there is greater pressure from human settlements within the park which affects flora and fauna. There are conflicts in the administration of the park and the inhabitants that require special attention from actions focused on this. There is pressure for public use that can be properly oriented.

Critical Area No. 3

It is an area with soil stability problems, so it is necessary to carry out comprehensive correction actions There are biological limitations since there are forest and coffee plantations

requiring management.

Critical Area No.4

There is disturbance of the core part of the Park for public use, hunting and

surrounding communities.

It is the representative area of the park for which it is necessary to establish restoration actions of its ecosystems due to its unique characteristics at a national level, which is necessary for forest fires and The critical areas of the Park and its region are

Critical Area No.5

There is pressure for agricultural activities such as livestock, farming and clean crops It has compatible activities on the part of adjoining lands since there are reforestation and protection actions. The deficiencies in community development are evident, so it is necessary to promote actions at the social level

In general terms, according to prioritization and sectorization, there are many determining factors, deficiencies and priorities that are found in a generalized way.

One of the most important critical areas that could be determined is the inadequate management of the water resource and which constitutes a determining factor, deficiency and potential of the Montecristo National Park and its region of influence.

Another important factor is the aspects of land use and the increase of the agricultural frontier towards the forest remnants and the pressure on the park's natural resources and its buffer zone.

The lack of a guiding instrument for the adequate management of natural resources inside and outside the park

The lack of institutional involvement in planning and technical support towards the management of the natural resources of the area.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

Critical area No. 1

1.Establish technical assistance programs that guide the proper use of soils and promote actions compatible with conservation

Extend the park's protection system to these areas to guarantee the protection of natural resources found for protection purposes. Establish an order for infrastructure development in fragile areas. There are new streets opening that approach the nucleus of the nebula by the. And Promote agricultural activities with a sustainability focus.

Critical Area No.2

Search for medium and long-term alternatives for the relocation of human settlements within the park. Establish a conflict resolution strategy between the park administration and the inhabitants.

Critical Area No. 3

Establish corrections and prevention of gullies Establish an alternative management of introduced species in the park

Critical Area No.4

Establish actions that guarantee biological restoration and reduce the pressure exerted on existing natural resources.

Critical Area No.5

Establish technical assistance programs that guide the proper use of soils and promote actions compatible with conservation Extend the park's protection system to these areas to guarantee the protection of natural resources that are found for protection purposes Encourage the development of compatible projects with conservation as the case of the estate of the CHUCRI SA

In general, it is advisable to carry out joint planning by critical area according to the subdivision made.

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