Spatial Analysis of Environmentally Sensitive Areas to Soil Degradation Using MEDALUS Model and GIS in Amazonas (Peru): An Alternative for Ecological Restoration

Gerson Meza Mori (), Cristóbal Torres Guzmán, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Rolando Salas López, Gladys Marlo and Elgar Barboza
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Gerson Meza Mori: Instituto de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Ceja de Selva (INDES-CES), National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM), Chachapoyas 01001, Peru
Cristóbal Torres Guzmán: Instituto de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Ceja de Selva (INDES-CES), National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM), Chachapoyas 01001, Peru
Manuel Oliva-Cruz: Instituto de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Ceja de Selva (INDES-CES), National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM), Chachapoyas 01001, Peru
Rolando Salas López: Instituto de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Ceja de Selva (INDES-CES), National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM), Chachapoyas 01001, Peru
Gladys Marlo: Instituto de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Ceja de Selva (INDES-CES), National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM), Chachapoyas 01001, Peru
Elgar Barboza: Instituto de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Ceja de Selva (INDES-CES), National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM), Chachapoyas 01001, Peru

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 22, 1-20

Abstract: Land degradation is a permanent global threat that requires an interdisciplinary approach to addressing solutions in a given territory. This study, therefore, analyses environmentally sensitive areas to land degradation using the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) method through a multi-criteria approach in the district of Florida (Peru). For the method, we considered the main quality indicators such as: Climate Quality Index (CQI), Soil Quality Index (SQI), Vegetation Quality Index (VQI), and Management Quality Index (MQI). There were also identified groups of parameters for each of the quality indicators analyzed. The results showed that 2.96% of the study area is classified as critical; 48.85% of the surface is classified as fragile; 15.48% of the areas are potentially endangered, and 30.46% are not threatened by degradation processes. Furthermore, SQI, VQI, and MQI induced degradation processes in the area. Based on the results, five restoration proposals were made in the study area: (i) organic manure production, (ii) cultivated and improved pastures and livestock improvement, (iii) native forest restoration, (iv) construction of reservoirs in the top hills and (v) uses of new technologies. The findings and proposals can be a basic support and further improved by decision-makers when implemented in situ to mitigate degradation for a sustainable use of the territory.

Keywords: land degradation; quality indicators; spatial analysis; ESAI; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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