Evaluación de los servicios ambientales de las parroquias rurales: Calpi, Cubijies, Punin y Quimiag del cantón Riobamba

Abstract

The purpose of the current research was to evaluate the importance of the provisioning, regulation, support and cultural Ecosystem Services (SE) of Calpi, Cubijíes, Punín and Quimiag Rural Parishes of Riobamba. The characterization procedures were carried out through georeferencing and the generation of parishes maps. In the second stage, the sociodemographic parameters data base of environmental services were depurated and systematized to determine the significant variables of the environmental evaluation through statistical tests. Consequently, the ratings and weighted averages of the SE categories were compared. By means of descriptive statistical analyzes, it was possible to identify that Quimiag parish reflects the highest importance rating for natural resources. On the other hand, Cubijíes parish has low rating compared to the other parishes. Through onefactor analyzes of variance, it was determined that the only significant variable for provision services is the one identified in the group from 31 to 40 years. In addition, the level of importance was also defined and revealed that the provision category in the parishes of Cubijíes, Punín and Calpi has a very high level of importance, while Quimiag is described with a high level of importance. Finally, the analysis of weighted averages, established the hierarchical sequence of environmental importance in each category. Therefore, the current research reflects the importance of the four environmental services of the parishes studied; as a result, Quimiag parish always got a high score in the evaluation process, while Cubijíes always scored low and