Evaluación del índice de vulnerabilidad con enfoque sostenible de los ecosistemas frágiles de la parroquia Tixan, provincia Chimborazo

Abstract

To declare a natural ecosystem as fragile, it is necessary to evaluate the degree of threat of human activities. This research evaluated the vulnerability index with a sustainable approach of fragile ecosystems in Tixán rural parish, Chimborazo province. The qualitative, descriptive, non- experimental study was based on a descriptive analysis to obtain the vulnerability results of fragile ecosystems, for which data collection instruments such as personal interviews and questionnaires were conducted for the authorities and inhabitants of Tixán rural parish, by means of field trip to each of the communities of the rural parish in order to know about the current situation of the parish and to establish strategic study points where the main threatening activities are carried out. It was evidenced that the vulnerability index of the fragile ecosystem, specifically the páramo in Tixán, is high and reflects a value of 3.5 which is rated from medium to high. This rating is mainly due to activities such as increasing of the agricultural frontier, use of chemical fertilizers and pasture planting for livestock feeding representing a risk of 70%. Some strategies focused on providing tools to promote environmental education were established, so that the population can carry out their daily activities in a conscious, sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that Tixán rural parish needs to define new environmental strategies involving sustainable environmental practices and integrating the entire population. So, it is important to establish alliances with institutions such as Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition and the Prefecture of Chimborazo province, or some other private institutions in charge of providing training and workshops on the management of natural resources and sustainable development for the inhabitants of Tixán.