- Reference framework of the Participatory Rural Assessment Diagnosis
This section presents the reference framework that allowed guiding the Participatory Rural Assessment Diagnosis in the Montecristo National Park study area
1.1. Determination of the objective
In the planning of the diagnosis, the general objective that would guide the investigation was defined, with its respective specific objectives.
1.1.1. General objective
Collect, organize, analyze and present the primary and secondary information obtained on the environmental, social, economic and cultural historical problems through the participation of the communities living in the Montecristo National Park study area, which facilitates the formulation of the plan of management and operation of the natural area.
Specific objective
- Determine, with the consensus of the residents who live in the study area, the current environmental, social, economic and cultural historical problems of the area. Comply with the legal requirements in the formulation of the management plan, allowing the participation of the communities that live in the areas adjacent to the Montecristo National Park natural area. Identify the communities' interest in the protection and preservation of the natural resources existing in the Montecristo National Park natural area. Identify, through community participation, the level of deterioration in which natural resources are found as a result of their use in productive and non-productive activities.Determine the priority needs of the community that directly and indirectly affect the natural resources found in the study area. Present the conclusions and recommendations that support the formulation of the management and operational plan for the Montecristo National Park natural area.
1.2. Scope of Study
In this work, the area delimited by the Cantons was considered as a study area: San José Ingenio (Majaditas, Buena Vista, El Cóbano and Casas de Teja hamlets); El Rosario (hamlets El Rosario, Limo El Rosario and Honduritas), El Limo (hamlets Las Mesas and Limo), El Carrizalillo (hamlets El Carrizalillo and Hacienda Vieja); These cantons are part of the core area and buffer zone. (Map No. 1)
Map No. 1
1.2.1. Geographical location of the study area
The study area is in the Municipality of Metapàn, department of Santa Ana; between the coordinates 14º 10 ', 14º 30` North latitude and 89º 10', 89º 30 'West latitude. With a territorial extension of approximately 109.35 km² and a projected population for the year 2002 of 36,134, which includes the urban population of the city of Metapàn.
1.2.2. Criteria used to determine the communities studied.
In the study planning process, a series of criteria were established to determine the communities that would be taken into account in the diagnostic process. Map No. 2 shows the location of the communities that directly participated in the TERP.
Map No. 2
Criteria:
- Those communities that exert pressure on natural resources and that due to their geographical location are closest to the Montecristo National Park Area and consequently are within the buffer zone of the same. The communities that in the future should be the co-responsible for the protection and conservation of the Park and other natural resources in the area. The representative communities of the cantons in terms of number of inhabitants and leadership in the area. Efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the objectives set out in the work plan, guaranteeing the best use of the financial resources assigned to the project.
1.3. Background
1.3.1. General Aspects of the Project
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock through the General Directorate of Renewable Natural Resources executes in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and the Environmental Program of El Salvador (PAES) in the Protected Areas Sub-component. The PAES hired CATIE to develop the Management Plans for the San Diego - La Barra Natural Area and the Montecristo National Park. The project has a duration of eight months which began in July 2002 and ends in February 2003.
With the formulation of management plans, the sustainable development of natural areas and buffer zones is sought, fostering the relationship between communities and protection of natural areas; In this sense, the project has four main objectives:
1..3.1. Formulate management plans in a participatory manner for the San Diego - La Barra Natural Area and the Montecristo National Park Protected Natural Area.
- Generate a micro-regional development strategy based on management plans. Contribute to the formation of local human capital in the planning processes of natural protected areas. Contribute to increasing the national bibliographic heritage on the methodology for formulating management plans.
According to the process of formulating the management plan and operational plan, this involves the Participatory Rural Assessment Diagnosis (DERP), biological studies and technical studies. (Figure No 1)
Figure No 1
Formulation of the Management Plan for the Montecristo National Park natural area
1.4. Characteristics of the study area
In order to have a broad understanding of the area where the Participatory Rural Assessment Diagnosis has been carried out, the most outstanding characteristics of the area are described.
1.4. Physical environment
The area where the study area is located has varied biophysical characteristics, mainly identifying portions of partly dense and semi-dense natural forest, artificial pine and coffee areas, which are delimited to the south by the agricultural border, belonging to particular properties; to the north by areas of artificial pine forest and small areas of semi-dense natural forest, to the west by areas of natural forest of Caoba-Encino-Pino, which are delimited with bare areas used for paddocks and other crops, which belong to individuals; To the East by natural forest of Pino-Encino, artificial of Pine, interleaved natural latifoliate forest, having as a border, areas destined for Pine forests, clean crops and livestock.
1.4.1. Floor
The study area, according to the pedological classification, belongs to Red Clay Soil Latosoles; Land Use Class: Marginal Agricultural Development, Land Class: VII; Geological: Conglomerates of Quartz and Red Limestone, Sandstones, Vulcanitas intercalations. Metapan Formation _Subinal_subformation (Map No 3)
1.4.2. Topography
The region is located in the intra-Montana zone, the topography 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. The mountainous area features 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 colluvial-alluvial plains, have been moderated by gravity soil movements and by river currents. the soil is of volcanic origin and forest vocation. (See Map No. 4)
1.4.3. Hidric resource
It is made up of streams of rivers, streams and ravines that form a dendritic, sub-parallel or parallel drain.
El Casco, the Buena Vista Community, El Cóbano and Casas de Tejas are located on the banks of the San José River that originates within the Park. This river, which is 6,404 meters long (6,404 km), is fed by other tributaries in its route, coming to end at the Metapán Lagoon.
Río El Brujo, which serves as the borderline between El Salvador and Guatemala, receives several names along its route, including Frío, Anguiatu and Angüe, which flows into Lake Güija.
Río El Limo, which is also called Chimalapa, joins the Río San José before ending at the Metapán Lagoon.
El Rosario River, which joins El San Miguel Ingenio, to later form the Tahuilapa, which later joins the Lempa River.
Río San Miguel Ingenio, called Cañas Dulces, joins Rosario and forms the Tahuilapa, which flows into the Lempa (See Map No. 5)
1.4.4. Flora
The flora of the area corresponds to 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, new tree species for science.
The important characteristics of the flora that predominates in the study area are: Life Zone: Subtropical humid forest - bh-S (Holdrige-1976), Closed vegetation, mainly evergreen tropical, submountain ombrófila, Open vegetation predominantly evergreen broadleaf sclerophyllous (chaparral), Present Ecosystems: Secondary Forest and Gallery Forest.
(SEE Map No. 6)
1.4.5. Fauna
New reports of birds for the Country, species in danger of extinction at the distribution level-Chacha Negra and locally Quetzal (Pharomachus muccinus), Green Toucan (Aulacorhichus prasinus), Collared Toucan (Pteroglosus torcuatus), Torogoz (Aspatha gularis de la upper part, Eumomota superciliosa of middle and lower part, as well as Momota momosus), Gully (Myadestes incolor, of high part; Myadestes occidentalis of middle part), Night and daytime birds of prey such as Owls and Hawks (Buteo sp), 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), Ocelot (Leopardus pardilis), Zorrillos (Conepatus mesoleucus, Spilogale putorius, Mephitis macroura), Tepezcuintle (Agouti paca),Cotuzas (Dasyprocta punctata), Wild Cat (Herpailurrs yaguaroundi), Wild Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), Tayra (Eira barbara), Gray Fox (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.), Land turtles.
Amphibians such as Tree Frogs, endemic species of Cloud Forest Salamanders and a wide range of insects.
Scenic scenic beauties unique.
Vertebrate species
According to studies carried out on vertebrates in the Park, the following species are found:
15 Amphibian species according to Mertens, 1952
35 reptile species according to Nylor, Hartmann and Pullen, 1978.
228 bird species according to Mertens, 1952
228 bird species according to Nylor, Hartmann and Pullen, 1978
228 species of birds Juan Pablo Domínguez, 1996
Thurber et al, 1987;
64 species of mammals according to Nestor Herrera, Com. Pers. 2,000) Mammals: 64 (Hartmann, 1978; Felten, 1956, 1958, Owen et al, 1991; Reyes and Salinas, 1997.)
Plant species
According to past work, the following have been reported:
- 180 species the tree stratum (Reyna, 1979) 42 species reported by the FAO in 1977,200 species of Orchids have been reported by Fritz Hamer, 1974, 1981 and others) 21 species of Ferns according to Ralf Seiler, 1980.27 species of Pteridophytes: according to Loetschert, 1954 20 species of fungi (Fungi. Basydiomycotina) according to Toledo and Escobar, 1978
In 1998 the Japanese Volunteer Corps supported by the then National Parks and Wildlife (PANAVIS) formed a database and photographic albums of the existing flora in El Parque and in coordination with La Laguna Botanical Garden the identification of the material photographed; Until this year, the La Laguna Botanical Garden continues to be the only scientific entity that collects botanical samples permanently in order to get to know which are the most representative species that make up the flora of the National Park, however, to date, these data have not yet They are official and there is no methodology for taking samples that can ensure the total and complete inventory of the Park.
Number of endemic species of Fauna
New species for science have been found in the Park, such as: Terrestrial molluscs: 4 (Thompson, 1963), Sphinxes: 1 (Franz, 1952), Girínidos (Coleoptera): 3 (Ochs, 1952), Cerambícidos (Coleópteros): 2 (Franz, 1955), Amphibians: 2 (Mertens, 1952 a and b) and Reptiles: 5 (Mertens, 1952 a and b).
Number of endemic species of plants
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) (SEE MAP No 7)
1.5. 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 - January, these temperatures vary according to the seasons of the year and to the altitudes and wooded part.
Precipitation: The annual average pluvial precipitations fluctuate between 500 and 1,600 mm.
Relative Humidity: Average Annual Relative Humidity ranges from 70% to 88%
Evapotranspiration: ranges between 900 and 1,600 mm annually.
1.6. Socioeconomic aspects of the study area
The study area that was identified for the establishment of the zone that cushions the impacts of the PNM, was delimited considering the criteria of geopolitical division and their proximity to the PNM; under these criteria, the area includes the cantons: San José Ingenio, El Rosario, El Limo, El Brujo, El Mal Paso, El Panal, Santa Rita, Aldea Zapote, San Juan, Cañas Dulces, San Miguel Ingenio and the urban area of Municipality of Metapán, department of Santa Ana; also, the cantons of Talquezalar, Los Planes, San Lorenzo, Gualcho and Lagunetas of the department of Chalatenango have been considered. (Map No. 8)
Map No 8
1.6.1.1. Social aspects
1.6.1.2. Population of the study area
The projection of the population that is in the study area for the year 2002 is 36,134, inhabitants; This includes the urban and rural population, corresponding to the urban area a total of 18,480 and the rural area a total of 17,654 between men and women. The projection of the population data has been based on the information from the last National Census carried out in 1992 and a growth rate of 29.02 births / 1,000 people. Most of this data has been validated with the participatory evaluation workshops held in the study area.
Table No. 1
Population of the Study Area
| CANTONS WITHIN THE STUDY AREA | POPULATION
TOTAL |
TOTAL
MENS |
TOTAL
WOMEN |
| El Rosario Canton | 3. 4. 5 | 179 | 166 |
| El Limo Canton | 1,221 | 634 | 587 |
| San José Ingenio Canton
El Brujo Canton |
624 | 304 | 320 |
| 1,269 | 660 | 609 | |
| Carrizalillo Canton | 495 | 257 | 238 |
| Talquezalar Canton
Lagunetas Canton |
430 | 224 | 206 |
| 479 | 249 | 230 | |
| Gualcho Canton | 79 | 41 | 38 |
| Canton San Lorenzo | 540 | 280 | 260 |
| Canton Los Planes | 667 | 347 | 320 |
| Canton El Malpaso | 1,948 | 1,013 | 935 |
| Canton Santa Rita | 1,244 | 646 | 598 |
| Cantón Cañas Dulces | 323 | 167 | 156 |
| Canton montenegro | 1,400 | 728 | 672 |
| Canton San Miguel Ingenio | 3,211 | 1,670 | 1,541 |
| Canton San Juan | 557 | fifty | 507 |
| Canton El Panal | 1,964 | 1,021 | 943 |
| Aldea El Zapote Canton | 858 | 466 | 392 |
| Rural population | 17,654 | 8,936 | 8,718 |
| Urban | 18,480 | 9,610 | 8,870 |
| Total population | 36,134 | 18,546 | 17,588 |
| Number of Families | 7,475 |
Ministry of Economy, Statistics and Census
1.6.1.3. Population Education
According to the document Challenges of Education in the New Millennium in rural areas, more than 17% of the population aged 15-60 cannot read or write; But in the study area, it was identified that 50% of those attending the workshops could not read or write. In the furthest cantons of the city of Metapàn such as El Brujo, El Limo and El Rosario; the levels of education offered by schools go up to sixth grade; therefore these are the levels that predominate among the population that knows how to read and write.
1.6.1. 4. Drinking Water Service
One of the problems faced by the communities living in the rural areas under study is the lack of potable water systems; It is estimated that more than 75% of families lack water suitable for human consumption. The poverty conditions in which more than 61.5% live do not allow them to obtain funds to invest in social infrastructure. Most of the communities acquire spring water, rivers and wells that are built for this purpose.
- Electric energy 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 Northeast 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.
1.6.1.6. Health Service
In Metapàn there is a Hospital Center on which the inhabitants of the area under study depend and the Health Unit located in Casas de Teja; the other cantons only 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 Metapàn, accessing 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.
1.6.1.7. Road Infrastructure and Transportation Service
The rural area lacks road infrastructure, limiting itself only to improved neighborhood roads; This situation makes it difficult for the transportation system to reach the communities under study; However, some cantons only have the truck and pick-up system, a situation that does not occur in all the communities in the study area, so families have to walk several kilometers when they need to go to the city of Metapàn.; the previous situation slows down the development of families living in the cantons and hamlets.
1.6.1. 8. Telecommunications
The urban area has the public and private communications system covered, in the rural area this service is not available. Some families have purchased cell phones, mainly those that receive family remittances.
1.6.1. 9. Solid and liquid waste treatment system
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.
- Economic aspects
It has been considered of fundamental interest to describe the economic conditions of the families living in the area under study, these aspects have been established considering the following components:
- Poverty Levels
The poverty levels in the population of the study area is more marked in rural areas, where a percentage of 61.5% is reached for the rural area and for the urban area a percentage of 37.4% according to the report of the Program of the United Nations for Development - PNUD - of 2001.
1.6.2.2 Economic activity of the study area
Families living in rural areas depend 70% on the cultivation of corn, beans and corn, it is estimated that the average annual salary received by the farm worker is $ 425.00 annually (Research document, Foundation for Economic Development and Social, March 2000), 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, low prices for their products, lack of techniques and innovation in their cultivation processes, droughts and increased production costs do not allow them to save.
While 20% depend on livestock and 10% on timber production, poultry raising and other activities related to the above; The latter concentrate this type of activity because they own land and have investment capacity. The careful study of grazing activities in this area is of great importance, since for cattle grazing a larger area of deforested land is required, and due to the proximity to Montecristo National Park, these activities generate negative impacts on the park's ecosystems..
It is important to note that, in the Municipality of Metapàn, industrial activity is more important with regard to the extraction and processing of limestone (Cemento y Cal); This industry has generated for more than 30 years employment for the residents of Metapàn, but with the process of technological innovation the workforce is being displaced by machinery, a phenomenon that is directly affecting the job offer of the Municipality of Metapàn, mainly those who live in the urban area.
1.6.2.3 Level of employment
The job offer in rural areas has been characterized by being seasonal; It has been considered that the level of unemployment in the summer time reaches up to 60% and in the winter time it maintains 20% employment. Usually in the study area each small producer generates his own source of work.
1.6.2.4. Family remittances
As in other communities in the country, family remittances have contributed to improving the conditions of poor families living within the study area. According to data from the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador, family remittances have come to represent 13% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Only a Metapàn banking agency processes more than $ 120 million of remittances for the region annually. The contribution made by remittances is reflected in the housing infrastructure, vehicles, clothing, purchase of goods and services, and construction of basic community infrastructure. It can be affirmed that the contribution of family remittances has contributed to reducing the level of poverty in the study area.
1.6.2.5 Use of natural resources
The use of traditional methods in agricultural production, the lack of crop diversification and the little creativity in the use of natural resources results in the performance of these resources not being optimal, and in most cases what is frequently observed is the deterioration of resources, which represents higher costs for the same population, which will have to restore what has been deteriorating in the future, as is the case of the soil and forests.
For residents who live more than 15 kilometers from Metapàn, accessing 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.
1.6.3. CULTURAL FEATURES
It is vitally important to know the aspects related to the cultural features of the population of the area, since this provides us with very valuable information about our cultural identity, its origins, development, decline and its current state.
1.6.3.1 History
Metapàn is one of the most important areas of the country from the cultural historical point of view. This area was formerly occupied by the Mayas-Chorti and Nahua Tolteca who had their settlement in Lake Guija; it was later conquered by the pipiles who gave the current name to the population: "Metapan" toponymous nahuat which means river of maguey or river of grinding stones; It can also be translated as land rich in minerals that comes from the roots "Meta", maguey and "Apan", river.
The Metapàn area is rich in traditions, among these we can mention:
- The celebration of the day of the Patron of each community Ash Wednesday Via Crucis Holy Burial Day of the dead, they visit the Municipal pantheon in Metapàn to flourish, they take food and they stay all day The Day of the Cross, they place a piece made of Jiote wood, adorned with fruits and colored tissue paper, simulating fringes, tecomates, towels, etc., before there were restrictions in the Park, if you heard the detonation of a firecracker, it meant that someone had already placed their cross and so on for each family, this was on day 2, which also made and cooked the tamales, to taste them on day 3. At wakes, they distributed coffee, bread and food (Chicken, Beef and Pork, according to the possibilities of the mourners).For the 9 days (they call it Remate), they only provide Tamales and Coffee. Christmas and New Year's Eve.The baptisms, also before the prohibitions of the Park, burst firecrackers, announcing it. The marriages were accompanied by string music. The older adults (who are very few), still use caites.
Within traditional cuisine, tamales, quesadillas, marquezote, marinated meat, chumpes or baked Indian chickens are mentioned. Jaripeos and ribbon races are popular at the patron saint festivals. The patronal feast is in honor of Saint Peter the Apostle, they are celebrated from June 26 to 29.
2. Methodology used in the preparation of the DERP.
To prepare the Participatory Rural Assessment Diagnosis for the Montecristo National Park natural area, a methodology was adopted that allowed obtaining reliable information on the problems and opportunities in the area, regarding the current state of natural resources, situation socioeconomic and historical-cultural aspects of the region itself.
2.1. Basic elements of the DER methodology
The methodology used for the Participatory Rural Assessment Diagnosis developed in the Montecristo National Park study area included the development of Participatory Rural Assessment Workshops, schematic maps of the community, socio-productive transect, plot schemes and collection of secondary information. (Figure No 2)
Figure No 2
Representation of the basic elements used in the DERP
3. Analysis of the Current Situation
The results that have been obtained in the research process allow us to make a description of the current situation in the environmental, social, economic and cultural historical aspects.
3.1. Analysis of the environmental situation
One of the problems that the Park has faced since its creation is the fact of having two human settlements within the natural area. The presence of these communities has limited the fulfillment of the objectives established in the constitution statutes, mainly with regard to the protection and conservation of natural resources. There is currently an antagonistic struggle between the Park administration and the members of the communities, since the objectives that the communities are seeking are opposite to the Park's objectives; In this sense, one of the actions that must be resolved in the proposal of the Management Plan for the Park is the legal definition of the communities.
On the other hand, in the Montecristo area, one of the characteristics of the predominant topography is the rugged terrain, which, together with the abundant humidity, the weight of the biomass and the lack of a natural disaster prevention program, has contributed to the formation of gullies within the Park, which increases the risk of a landslide that could cause severe damage to the population of Metapàn. It is important to highlight that what motivated the declaration of Park was precisely the formation of gullies and landslides that endangered the city of Metapàn.
Currently, new gullies have emerged and some structures that were built to prevent the formation of the oldest are already collapsing; Furthermore, despite the presence of these gullies, the infrastructure that avoids the risk of the current ones (5) and the formation of new ones has not yet been created.
Another problem that has been identified as a priority within the Park is the fires caused by people from the communities that live within it. There are several reasons that lead individuals to start fires. Firstly, there is the fact that some members of the communities do not agree with the norms and policies established by the Park administration. This leads them to carry out actions that go against the conservation and natural resources of the natural area; Another reason is to obtain firewood for sale and self-consumption; mainly because the communities that live inside depend on the consumption of firewood to prepare food.
Regarding the soil, the intensification of agricultural and livestock practices by the owners of the lands adjacent to the forest, contributing to the deforestation of the buffer zone, causing erosion processes that urgently demand sustainable management plans, since there are areas cattle farmers above 1,800.
On the other hand, the cultivation methods used by producers are permanently contributing to soil deterioration; uncontrolled tillage is observed on steep slopes, excessive use of chemicals in cultivation processes, burning of the land and the absence of conservation methods to prevent erosion.
It can be seen in the South-East, South and South-West part that the agricultural frontier is on the boundaries of the Park; extensions of land have been cleared to turn them into pastures, this has caused the formation of gullies outside the boundaries of the Park, but just 500 meters from it.
The permanent deforestation in the buffer zones makes the Park isolated from the other biological components of the area, this endangers the fauna that searches for food in the cultivation areas and grasslands, where they are easy prey for hunters. who are always on the lookout.
On the other hand, it has been identified that the reforestation that was done with pine and cypress is causing negative effects on the fauna today, because they do not find food within the Park, this is driving them to move to other regions outside the Park, or in any case, they go down to the surroundings of the houses that exist within it in search of food, and that is when the inhabitants and hunters take the opportunity to hunt them down.
The existence of human settlements within the Park and the lack of a garbage, sewage and faeces management program generate permanent contamination in the area, affecting the soil, rivers, streams and water sources; also, it is a negative aspect for the visitors who arrive at the zones of public use.
It was verified that there is a lack of knowledge on the part of the population that lives in the buffer zones of the environmental services offered by the Park, this is because the education and outreach programs of what the Montecristo National Park means, has not been done in a systematic way, involving educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and the Mayor of Metapàn. The situation described above is a limitation to promote financial sustainability programs in the area and to lessen the impact that the population has on natural resources.
3.2. Analysis of the social situation
The analysis of the social situation has been oriented to those aspects that are determining in the conservation and protection of the resources of the natural area of the Montecristo National Park.
In the study area there is a total of approximately 36,134 inhabitants, of which 51% correspond to the urban area and 49% to the rural area, including the city of Metapàn, which is considered part of the buffer zone. due to the proximity to the natural area and the impact of natural resources with greater emphasis on water resources.
It is estimated that 61.5% of the population lives in poverty in the study area; poverty understood as the limitation of the population to satisfy the basic needs of food, clothing, education, health, housing and fun. Poverty levels vary depending on the zones, that is to say that in rural areas poverty is more marked with respect to urban areas.
Poverty in rural areas is directly related to economic activity, education levels, and the origin of families. In rural areas, the main activity of the population is agriculture, which according to recent data that has been analyzed for each productive unit, does not generate the necessary income to cover production costs; and generally the small producer at the end of each year gets lost or simply did not recover the strength of his work. Despite the fact that agricultural activity does not pay benefits, the lack of alternatives for rural families, they are forced to continue developing the same activity each year, aware that their income will not generate any change in their standard of living.
On the other hand, education levels in the area are low, since more than 60% are below basic education, and the rest cannot read or write, mainly the adult population. According to data from the Ministry of Education, 73% of children between the ages of 4 and 12 do not attend school. The infrastructure that exists is minimal, although it covers up to ninth grade, in the canton of Las Piedras and Belén Güijat, this situation is a factor that has directly contributed to the poverty conditions of families.
For some families, the living conditions living in the study area have improved substantially, as a result of remittances sent by family members who are working outside the country; This improvement is reflected in the housing infrastructure they have built, the purchase of land, vehicles, boats and greater capacity to produce. In certain areas, remittances have even contributed to the contraction of roads and social infrastructure.
An element that contributes to a more marked poverty is the unemployment that occurs in the area, it is estimated that in the summer time unemployment reaches 60% of the economically active population, so that low income levels are even more deteriorated.
Families residing within the park do not have any possibility of development, because the park's rules and legal conditions do not allow them to improve their living conditions in terms of: housing, social infrastructure, expanding education, health coverage and employment that allows them to earn an income to satisfy their basic needs. On the other hand, by not allowing them to develop productive activities, they must travel approximately 5 km outside the Park, to cultivate on land where they pay rent and which generally form part of the agricultural frontier of the natural area; Others with better luck have a job in the city of Metapàn, with the limitation that the only transport that exists is through Pickup, which make tours at two times during the day.
Access to health services for the cantons and hamlets of the study area is a critical situation, mainly because they only have the Metapàn Hospital and the Health Unit located in Casas de Teja; the other cantons only have the service of health promoters and delivery care, by midwives authorized by the Ministry of Health. It is important to note that the access roads to some cantons and hamlets is limited, due to the lack of roads that allow vehicular traffic, so that journeys of more than 15 kilometers must be done by horse or by foot.
In conclusion, health and education are priority problems from the social point of view for the communities living in the study area, mainly because without health and education there can be no sustainable development.
In general terms, the rural areas of the study area do not have the basic infrastructure that allows them to achieve the sustainable development of the communities; Said infrastructure referred to: Roads, schools, health units, drinking water services and other basic social infrastructure.
3.3. Analysis of the economic situation
The economic analysis of the population found in the study area includes the determination of the main economic activity, income levels, saving capacity, investment capacity of the population and the possibilities of development opportunities in the area..
The main economic activity carried out by the inhabitants of the study area is oriented to agriculture; specifically of traditional products: corn, beans and corn; that generally these do not generate profit for the small producer; This is due in part to the fact that the cultivation methods are traditional, so the opportunities offered by the medium to improve crop yields are not being taken advantage of; This is a factor that slows down the productivity of the economic activities carried out by the inhabitants of the study area and therefore directly affects the level of income and profits.
On the other hand, there are two months in the area that are continuously very dry, which are: July and August. These months very frequently affect crops that always depend on the rainy season, in some cases contributing to irreparable bankruptcies for small producers who depend exclusively on seasonal crops.
Another factor that negatively affects the yields of farmers in the area is the increase in the costs of inputs for agricultural crops, this reduces the possibility of obtaining a higher income that allows families to improve living conditions through of the satisfaction of basic needs.
Another of the economic activities that are developed in the areas is cattle ranching, which is generally driven by people who have a greater investment capacity. Through this activity the production of milk, cheese, cream and other derivatives is increased; In some areas, the limitation of this activity is the fact that there is not a good system of vehicular access roads, so large-scale development is not allowed.
The average annual income of a family in rural areas has been determined to be $ 425, whether they obtain it through the sale of their labor force or through activities they carry out as small agricultural producers. This level of income does not ensure that families can meet the needs of food, clothing, housing, health and education; reason why some are in the necessity to carry out complementary activities that to some extent affect the resources of the natural area; mainly when these activities are related to: the extraction of firewood, wood and the hunting of animals to complement the nutritional diet of the family.
If we analyze the economic conditions of families through savings, we identify that for those who depend exclusively on agricultural activities and other activities we realize that savings have generally been negative, limiting the investment capacity for the start of new agricultural activities with a view to diversifying crops; therefore, they are forced to continue with traditional production systems, in a way that implies lower costs.
When making an analysis from the economic point of view, we realize that the abundance of water resources, the potential for eco-tourism, the possibilities of agro-ecological development, the existence of natural resources with potential for protection and conservation, and the existence of Manpower in the area allows us to assure that there is an additional problem, which is the irrational use of resources and the lack of technology and infrastructure.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight that the most important lime and cement industry in the country is located in the area, which generates representative income for the economy and also contributes to job creation. This employment opportunity offered by industry cannot be used equally by the entire population, because this industrial activity has become increasingly specialized and therefore demand for qualified personnel, with levels of education above basic.
The commercial, financial and other service institutions that operate in the city of Metapàn, contribute to generating permanent jobs for the economically active population, both in the urban area and in the rural area, with the disadvantage for the rural population that has high levels of lower equation and in some cases they cannot read or write, this excludes them from the labor market.
3.4. Analysis of the Cultural Historical situation
The cultural historical analysis of the study area was oriented to identify the level of investigation and conservation that is being given to archaeological sites, the importance that is given to cultural features, the conservation of history and historical infrastructure of the zone.
Another important aspect to consider is the need to maintain a balance between modern construction designs and old structures, mainly in the historic center of the city of Metapàn, which is considered to be a buffer zone for the natural area. The scenic beauty presented by structures such as temples, public buildings, streets, houses and parks must be preserved as a historical heritage, which serve as a testimony to the creativity and imagination of the first towns that inhabited Metapàn.
On the other hand, the history, customs, traditions and also cultural values are being lost to the extent that there are no historians to document the historical wealth of the area and that they are also accompanied by systematic publishing and dissemination programs geared towards new generations. And the older people who are dying take with them all the cultural heritage.
The loss of historical cultural values occurs when through communication, emigration, development and the lack of commitment by new generations to maintain the continuity of the cultural remains of the ancestors, it has contributed to the substitution of the characteristics cultural activities of the area, in terms of: music, dances, costumes, religious traditions, food and other aspects.
4. Conclusions
The analysis of the situation of the Montecristo National Park study area and its buffer zones, allows us to establish a set of specific conclusions on the environmental, social, economic and cultural historical aspects of the area.
4.1 Environmental Conclusions
Despite the Park's legal declaration for the conservation, protection and development of existing natural resources, the administration has been limited in achieving the purposes of creation due to the existence of human settlements within it; This situation generates conflicts between the interests of the communities and the ends of the Park; In this sense, the proposal of the Management Plan must propose alternative solutions that are feasible and feasible.
The formation of gullies within the Park is one of the critical problems for the natural area, due to the risks that these represent for the towns in the lower part, including the city of Metapàn; as well as for fauna, rivers and other vegetation that would be affected by landslides.
An advance of the agricultural and livestock frontier to the boundaries of the Park is observed, and this is contributing to an increase in the impact on flora and fauna; Furthermore, as a result of deforestation, soil deterioration has been contributed, which presents gullies very close to the protected area.
Another aspect that should be given attention is the fact that the Park is being isolated by crops, pastures and an increase in human settlements, this endangers the permanence of the biological corridor, which helps fauna to move from one region to another without the danger that can be impacted by hunters.
There is no assessment by the population that lives in the buffer zones of the environmental benefits produced by the park, and of the importance of its conservation and protection; This situation shows that education and outreach programs aimed at the population are required, which will arouse interest in protecting the resources found in the area.
In the Northeast and Northwest part of the Park there is private misty forest that would be outside the protection and conservation programs. The deterioration of these areas would directly affect the Nebulous Park and the fauna that inhabits it.
4.2. Social Conclusions
More than 60% of the rural population in the study area lives in poverty, with an average annual income of $ 425, and an average family structure of 5 members. The lack of production alternatives that improve the level of income drives residents to put more pressure on natural resources such as: uncontrolled tillage, animal hunting and deforestation.
In rural areas, the highest illiteracy rates predominate; approximately 60% of the population over the age of 20 cannot read or write; For the promotion of the development strategy this is a limitation that must be overcome and that at a certain moment becomes the obstacle to sustainable development.
In general terms, most communities lack health services, drinking water, transportation, access roads, secondary education and personal training programs for young people and adults that help enhance the human resources required to promote sustainable development.
Most of the communities are not organized in ADESCOS, and there is mistrust and apathy of the members in wanting to participate; therefore, more work is required to incorporate communities into participatory schemes to promote projects.
4.3. Economic Conclusions
The dependence on traditional agricultural activities, with exclusive crops of corn and beans, has not allowed them to generate income that guarantees the satisfaction of basic needs such as: Food, clothing, education, health and fun.
In some communities, family remittances have boosted development, which has reduced the percentage of relative poverty, these changes are reflected in the housing infrastructure, vehicles, and improvements in social infrastructure that have been supported by members of the community who receive remittances. of the outside.
There is an irrational use of natural resources, mainly in the use of land for agricultural crops; This generates an opportunity cost for the community and the entire country too high, since the investment that must be made for the restoration of deteriorated ecosystems does not offset the benefits obtained by families through the use of natural resources.
The natural resources that exist in the buffer zones of the Montecirsto National Park are the alternative for the sustainable development of the region, provided that there is a plan that is consistent with current needs and the vision of sustainability of natural resources with characteristics of be protected.
4.4. Conclusion of the cultural historical aspect
Despite the historical wealth of the area and the value it has for the national heritage, there are no studies that systematically document all the facts of the history of Metapàn, and also that it is disclosed in such a way as to highlight the value for future generations and the need for it to remain as it happened, for what is required of the disclosure of the historical-cultural aspects that are characteristic of the area in a systematic way, so that it is maintained from generation to generation.
5.1. Environmental Recommendations
Proposal for a solution to human settlements within the Park
It has been proven that the Park's purposes are incompatible with the interests of the communities, therefore, they must be settled in buffer zones or in any other place that is viable and feasible for the government and the communities. This implies that a negotiation process should be started based on the possible places of settlement and the conditions established for this purpose.
Construction and maintenance of protection infrastructures in Cárcavas
It is necessary that in all activities to be carried out with respect to protection infrastructure conservation works, they be based on technical studies, prepared by experts in the field, in such a way that they meet the requirements of each critical area.
The proposed solution and management of gullies must involve must be based on prevention, management and control; These must be actions that must be incorporated into the management plan.
Territorial planning of the area
One of the actions that should be promoted is the territorial ordering, mainly in the area that has been identified as buffer for the Montecristo National Park natural area, this order must guarantee that the conservation and protection objectives for the ecosystems that are identified as priorities; and that it also define the areas that can be exploited with an eco-tourism vision, places of human settlement and agro-ecological zones.
Proposal of the biological corridor as a conservation and protection strategy
The isolation process to which the Park is being subjected and the importance it has for Biodiversity, makes it necessary to describe the biological corridor strategy, taking into account the characteristics of each of the buffer zones. The proposal of the biological corridor must involve the population that lives in the buffer zones.
Formulate the management plan that includes a comprehensive solution to the problem
To guarantee that the proposal of the Management Plan is viable from the point of view of the conservation and protection of natural resources; and feasible from the perspective of the sustainability of the area; This must harmonize the environmental, social and economic problems; due to the interrelation that exists between these elements; and treating them separately would mean that the project becomes not viable to achieve the conservation and protection of the area.
Development of environmental education programs for communities
The promotion of environmental education programs should be permanent, directed at all levels to the population living in the buffer zones; For this it is important to involve educational institutions, churches, city hall, health units, private companies and other sectors involved. This program must be accompanied by didactic material that refers to the natural resources of the Park and the role that buffer zones play in conservation.
Application of the Environment Law and compliance with the legal framework
Guarantee that the law and its regulations are applied independently of individual or group interests, preventing them from contravening the spirit of the law itself; For which it is important that the entire population has full knowledge of the law, this should be incorporated as one of the education topics that are developed permanently.
Montecristo cloud forest extension
A strategy should be established to expand the Montecristo cloud forest, incorporating private areas through covenants or agreements between owners and the Government. To achieve this purpose, you must establish a negotiation program that involves the parties, determining the benefits for the private sector, the decision is made to protect and conserve the cloud forest.
5.2. Social
Improve the social infrastructure of communities
In the planning of the sustainable development of the communities, the program that supports the improvement and creation of social infrastructure must be incorporated, such as: access roads, drinking water, electricity, schools and health units.
In order to promote the development of social infrastructure, it is important that the order of human settlements in the communities is defined beforehand and that the development plan is formulated in coordination with the Municipality and the members of the communities.
Human development programs
It is important to promote a human development program that seeks within its objectives to develop skills and aptitudes of each of the members of the community through training, education and technical training programs, prioritizing the potential development of women.
5.3 Economic
Development of an Agro-environmental Program in the buffer zones
Identified the needs of each area in terms of: Soils, climate, topography, vegetation, water resources and market for agricultural products; and considering the objectives of the Majo Plan for the core area and buffer zones; An agro-environmental program must be formulated that guarantees the sustainable development of the area, considering the capacities of each community and the interest that these show in promoting the actions detailed in the program.
The formulation of the agro-environmental program must be formulated with the participation of the communities, MAG, MARN, Municipality and other institutions that are considered of interest for the effective development of the program. It is recommended that agronomists, biologists, economists, and marketing specialists participate in the formulation of the program.
Ecotourism development
The natural wealth of the study area allows us to propose a program that seeks the development of ecotourism in the buffer zones, which also guarantees the generation of employment and the increase in income of the families that are part of the study area, and which also strengthen conservation and protection programs for natural resources. Mainly emphasis should be given to mystical and mountain tourism.
5.4. Historical cultural
Promote archaeological research in the area
The historical importance of the area motivates the proposal of an archaeological research program that justifies the need to protect the historical remains that are found in the area; as well as to disclose the archaeological wealth found, with a view to finding financial resources that ensure the protection and conservation of the archaeological sites and sites.
Develop historical-cultural studies of the area
It is important to carry out research that documents the history of the area, especially that which can be used as a way to attract tourism, the interest of historians and the general population. Currently there are a series of documents that present some historical facets of the region, but a greater level of deepening is required.
Maintenance of the cultural values of the area
Promote programs that help disseminate cultural values, mainly to children and young people. The rise of communications technology and the impulse given to modernism is forgetting the cultural features of the ancestors. That is why, given Metapàn's historical and cultural richness, programs should be promoted in coordination with the municipality, house of culture, schools and the Catholic Church; in such a way to transmit the cultural values to the new generations.
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