Summary
There is a tendency to uncontrolled growth in cities motivated by the migration of people in search of better living conditions; This situation generates great environmental problems. Therefore, Cuba is not exempt from perfecting and developing new environmental management instruments is a principle of the National Environmental Strategy. In response, the present work has the general objective: to propose a methodology for environmental management in urban cultural landscapes and as specific objectives: to develop a methodology for environmental management in urban cultural landscapes and to validate the proposed methodology through the Criterion method. of Experts. To achieve this purpose, document analysis, direct observation and survey are used as research methods. Among the main results are:the elaboration of a methodology that allows diagnosing environmental problems in urbanizations and organizing action plans for their mitigation; the validation of said methodology, since the category of Very adequate prevails when applying the Expert Criteria method, as well as the fact that this proposal constitutes a new instrument whose implementation will allow for the proper environmental management in urban cultural landscapes.
Abstract
There is a tendency to uncontrolled growth of cities driven by the migration of people seeking better living conditions, this situation creates significant environmental problems. Cuba is not free so refine and develop new instruments of environmental management is a principle in the National Environmental Strategy. In response, this study has the general objective: to propose a methodology for environmental management in urban cultural landscapes and specific objectives: to develop a methodology for environmental management in urban cultural landscapes and validate the methodology proposed by the method of Criterion Expert. To achieve this purpose, research methods used as document analysis, direct observation and survey. Among the main results are:the development of a methodology to diagnose environmental problems in the neighborhoods and organize action plans for mitigation, validation of this methodology, as it prevails very proper category when applying the criterion of Experts and the fact that this proposal constitutes a new tool whose implementation will facilitate appropriate environmental management in urban cultural landscapes.
Introduction
The landscape is the result of the action of culture over time, being modeled by a cultural group based on a natural landscape (Mateo, 2000); but one species - man - has acquired significant power to alter the nature of its world (Carson, 1964).
In Cuba, the conservation of the environment and the protection of natural resources are carried out on a scientific basis; thus, the environmental policy adopted since the triumph of the Revolution and the national development strategy to be followed have been historically reflected in the main documents of the country, achieving that the problem of the environment has a constitutional and legal nature, man being the most important. (Ayes, 2003).
But even the projects for the urbanizations and man himself are not prepared and sufficiently identified with the environment to face this challenge, which generates great problems such as: water pollution, loss of vegetation, large residual emissions, dust, noise pollution, soil degradation, buildings vulnerable to natural disasters and lack of environmental education in the population. To achieve better urban environmental managementit is necessary to continue working on the incorporation and implementation of new action instruments; reason why this work has as general objective: to propose methodology for environmental management in urban cultural landscapes and as specific objectives: to develop a methodology for environmental management in urban cultural landscapes and to validate the proposed methodology through the method of Expert Criteria.
Research methodology
In order to solve the scientific problem and solve the proposed objectives, a wide combination of different methods is used. On the one hand the theoretical research methods: historical and logical (Hernández and Cueto, 2002) and within the empirical ones: direct observation, document analysis (Valles, 1999) and the method of expert judgment (Hurtado, 2003).
Development
After applying part of the research methods previously stated by the authors, the methodology for environmental management in the urban cultural landscape is obtained, which is shown in graphical form in (Annex 1, figure 1;) and is subsequently explained in detail..
Link I: Diagnosis
Step 1: Identification
1.1. Batey.
1.2 Client.
1.3. Executors.
1.4 Start and end date.
Step 2: Conciliatory
2.1. Joint meeting (All involved personnel participate). 2.2 Reconciling interests. 2.3 Preparation of tools (Printing of observation guide, documentary analysis and survey according to the calculated sample; which are shown below).
3.3.1. Observation Guide:
General data: Observers. Survey start date and end date. Location of the batey and boundaries.
From the analysis unit:
I. Lithology (Apparent affectations).
II. Relief (affectations and current form).
III. Water (Existence of wells and use; other surface aquifers and use).
IV. Climate (Bioclimatic conditions of buildings: Counting of facades with respect to cardinal points, use of light and natural ventilation, characteristic props. Existence of a finish on roofs that promote better thermal comfort.
V. Soil (Exposure of profiles A, B and C and paving trend.
SAW. Vegetation (floristic survey, suitability in flower beds and other areas that promote sun protection, aesthetic evaluation, existence of a natural curtain against dust and noise.
VII. Urbanization. Conception, functionality and technical condition of the roads, sidewalks, sewer networks, storm drainage. Treatment and final destination of wastewater. Existence and sufficiency of landfills for extra-household waste, collection and final destination. Existence and service of aqueduct networks, electrical service. Urban plot style. Disabled accessibility.
VIII. Basic services: Existence of medical, gastronomic, commercial, educational and recreational services.
IX. Constructions: Survey according to typology. Architectural beauty and style. Apparent technical condition. Vulnerability to natural disasters.
Note: Give graphic proof through photos of the problems.
3.3.2 Document analysis
General data: Analysts. Batey.
| Indicator | Document | Outcome | |
| Lithology. Characterization | New National Atlas of Cuba, 1989. | ||
| Geological Map of Cuba. Scale 1: 100,000, 1988. | |||
| Typical shape of the relief. | New National Atlas of Cuba, 1989. | ||
| Geological Map of Cuba. Scale 1: 100,000, 1988 | |||
| Physical, chemical and bacteriological characterization of surface and ground waters. | Documentation of:
- National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH). -Business Unit of Aqueduct and Sewerage Base. - Municipal and Provincial Hygiene Directions. |
||
| Depth of deposit of the waters. | Depth map of water lying. Hydraulic Scheme
Scale 1: 100,000. (INRH) |
||
| Behavior of the bioclimatic variables. | Documents of Provincial Meteorological Stations and Meteorological Centers. | ||
| Type and characteristics
ground. |
New National Atlas of Cuba, 1989 | ||
| Basic Map
Scale 1:25 000 Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI). |
|||
| Engineering-Geological Information from the National Company for Applied Research. (ENIA) | |||
| Technical state of the constructions. | Lifting. Municipal Housing Unit (UMIV). |
3.3.3 Survey of inhabitants:
Partner: This survey aims to assess the knowledge that the population has about the environmental problems present in their environment. The information you provide us is anonymous and the best way to collaborate is to be analytical and truthful in your response.
1. Have you received information about the environmental problems that today's world presents?
Mark your answer with an X:
____ Never. ____ Little. ____ Regular. ____ None.
2. Mark with an X the ways in which you obtain information about the environment.
____ Family. ____ Mass organizations. ____ Radio. ____ TV. ____ Journals. ____ Others. Which? _______________________________________
3. Mark with an X some of the environmental problems that are present in your environment.
____ Powder. ____ Noise. ____ Bad smell. ____ Lack of communal hygiene
____ Others. Which? _______________________________________
4. Select by marking with an X the measures that you consider will mitigate the environmental problems of your community.
____ Protect and promote vegetation. ____ Train the population on how to protect the urban environment (Environmental education, knowledge of Environmental Legislation.). ____ Treat residuals. ____ Application of sanctions to those who transgress the current legislation. ____ Others. Which?
5. Do you like living in your environment?
Mark your answer with an X:
____ Much. ____ Regular. ____ Little bit. ____ Nothing.
Thank you very much.
Step 3: Compilation
3.1. Aspects to consider in the diagnosis of population settlement. (Batey. Location and boundaries).
3.1.1 Lithology (Type of rock, characteristics and effects).
3.1.2 Relief (current form).
3.1.3 Water (Physical, chemical and bacteriological characterization of surface and groundwater, use. Location of grounds and depth of deposit of waters.
3.1.4 Climate (Behavior of bioclimatic variables. Bioclimatic conditions of buildings. Use of natural light and ventilation. Counting of facades with respect to cardinal points. Characteristic props. Finishing of roofs that promote better thermal comfort).
3.1.5 Soil: Type of soil. Characteristics and tendency to pavements.
3.1.6 Vegetation (Floristic survey. Suitability in flower beds and other areas that promote sun protection. Aesthetic assessment. Existence of a natural curtain against dust and noise.
3.3.7 Urbanization (Conception, functionality. 3.3.7.1 Roads and sidewalks: Technical condition. Conception, functionality. 3.3.7.2 Sewerage and rainwater networks: Existence and functionality. Treatment and final destination of sewage. 3.3.7.3 Landfills for extra-household waste: Existence and sufficiency Efficiency in collection and final destination 3.3.7.4 Electric service: Existence and efficiency 3.3.7.5 Style of the urban fabric 3.3.7.6 Accessibility for the disabled 3.3.7.7 Basic services: Existence of services medical, gastronomic, commercial, educational and recreational).
3.3.8 Constructions (Survey according to typology. Beauty and architectural style. Apparent technical state. Vulnerability to natural disasters).
3.3.9 Environmental culture (Environmental problems of the current world. Sources through which they receive environmental information. Environmental problems in their environment. Measures that the population considers will mitigate local environmental problems. Satisfaction for living in their environment).
3.2 Application of instruments (Those presented in Step 2: Conciliatory section 2.3).
Step 4: Procedural
4.1 Analysis of results (Analyze the results in a triangular way).
4.2 Define and list problems (Apply as Engineering Techniques: Cause-effect diagrams and Pareto family by subsystem According to Urquiaga and Torres, 2004).
Link II: Action Plan
Step 5: decisive
5.1 Functional zoning of the batey (Have a digitized map zoning the population settlement in: I- Core area, II- Recreation area, III- Reserve area and IV- Peripheral area).
Follow the following criteria for zoning:
Core zone: It will correspond to the parts of the population settlement where there is a predominance of artificial elements over natural ones, the elements of the green landscape being subordinated and framed by artificial structures, the urban fabric will be more compact. Recreation area: It is made up of parks, walks, boulevards, sports and recreational areas where people distract themselves, buy, play children, etc. Reserve zone: There is a predominance of natural elements over artificial ones, with available areas preserved for urban development. Peripheral area: As its name implies, it is the peripheral areas of cities, destined for landfills, demand for agricultural and forest land.
5.2. Organization of the proposed action plan.
5.2.1. Declare the general objective of the action plan:
5.2.2. Conformation of the subprograms of: Environmental education, Green areas, Solid and liquid waste, Aquifers, Constructions, Urban infrastructure and Inspections and controls. Organized with: Problem. Cause. Correction. Zone. Responsable. Performer and Compliance Date.
Step 6: Approval
6.1 Presentation of the action plan (In a joint meeting between the client, executors and decision-makers the proposal for the action plan is presented).
6.2 Approval of the action plan (It is submitted to the consideration of those involved and it is approved when there is 95% or more of the votes in favor. If unfavorable, the vote returns to the steps considered incorrect. Once the concerns have been resolved, another is called meeting and if approved, it is started).
To scientifically validate the methodology previously presented, the Expert Criterion method was applied, where the validity of the authors' proposal is evident, since there is a predominance of the Very Adequate indicator.
Conclusions
- A methodology was developed which allows diagnosing environmental problems and organizing action plans, as an environmental management instrument for the sugar mills. The methodology developed was validated as there was a predominance in the Very Adequate category after applying the Expert Criteria method. The proposal constitutes a new instrument, which will enable proper implementation of environmental management in population sugar settlements with its implementation.
Bibliography
- Mateo, R. (2000). Landscape geography. (Unpublished). Havana: pp 13-14.Carson, R. (1964). Silent spring. Spain: 1st. Ed. Spain. p.17 Ayes, G. (2005). Environment, impact and development. Technical Scientific Editorial. Havana. pp 1-137.Hernández, R and Cueto, S. (2002). The Qualitative Paradigm of Scientific Research. Havana: University of Computer Sciences. Valles, M. (1999). Qualitative techniques of social research. Spain: Editorial Síntesis. pp109-139.Hurtado, F. (2003). "How to select the experts". Urquiaga, A J. and Torres, L. (2004). Frequently used techniques in Industrial Engineering. Higher Institute "José Antonio Echeverría". Faculty of Industrial Engineering. Havana: Department of Industrial Engineering.
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