Partial plan for the environmental conservation and historical and tourist development of the Peñón del Río hill, Durán, 2022

Abstract: In the north of the Durán canton, is located the hill called "Peñón del Rio", a natural elevation suitable for the development of agricultural and livestock activities, surrounded by rivers and streams that also harbor a dense amount of vegetative species. Archeological remains such as ceramics and burial pits from different cultures of the area were also found. The dry forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems and it is estimated that between 60% and 75% of it has disappeared. On the other hand, the sector is being seriously affected by the extraction of stone material, causing great damage to its ecosystem, to this is added the psychological and health damages caused by the noise, the trembling caused by the implosions executed, and the cloud of dust raised by the passage of heavy machinery; and finally, the high crime rate by which it is affected due to its abandonment. The purpose of this study is to develop a partial plan proposal, in which environmental and arqueological conservation areas of this natural elevation are determined to promote the preservation of the native flora avoiding the loss of identity of the vegetation, as well as the historical importance of the area, potentiating its tourist value, for which, through the observation technique and the handling of field cards, the identification of the plant species of the sector and the diagnosis of the affectation by the excavation of the stone material were carried out. In addition, georeferenced information on the trails and rest areas was collected with the help of Geographic Information Systems. To complement the study, qualitative research instruments were used to determine strategies for the conservation of green areas and the archaeological importance of the hill. As a result, a proposal was made for the location of walking trails, viewpoints and other rest areas, establishing their conservation and reforestation areas. In conclusion, the observed findings show historical roots of the Durán canton and even pre-Hispanic roots at the Latin American level, and the design of trails and rest areas, potentiate the tourist value of this natural elevation.

Keywords: Reforestation, Dry Forest, Conservation Areas, Partial Plan

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002715

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