Ecological planning of the territory through the multi-temporal analysis in San Ignacio, Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

The economic development and population growth does not only produce a constant demand for territory but also an increasing pressure on the biophysical environment. The province of Misiones in Argentina is one of the sites of greater biological diversification. Nevertheless on the south of this province, in the town of San Ignacio, a large area occupied by agroforestry enterprises is causing an alarming reduction and fragmentation of the forest, with the consequent loss of biodiversity. Even though the processes of deforestation and sowing of commercial species can provide to a positive economical growth, they also carry social indicators that show their small relevance at improving the inhabitants’ life conditions. Taking this situation into account, a multitemporal analysis carried out over the past 17 years has managed to quantify the loss of natural environments and the growth of agroforestry. We understand that, confronting this reality, ecological land planning is a tool that provides a comprehensive assessment of land use providing the necessary elements to define environmental criteria in decision-making. Ecological planning stands as an instrument of environmental policy aimed to the regulation of productive activities in order to achieve a rational environmental use by promoting sustainable development strategies and preventing the irreversible destruction of ecosystems.

Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Volumen 8, Número 1 Primavera, 2015; 212-230