Abstract

RAMIREZ CANO, Claudia. Analysis of the ecological footprint of African palm plantations using GIS Titulo corto: Huella ecológica para cultivos de palma africana aplicando SIG. Colomb. for. [online]. 2014, vol.17, n.1, pp.60-76. ISSN 0120-0739.

African palm monoculture has modified ecosystem diversity and traditional agriculture in the municipality of Puerto Wilches. In this study we evaluate the impacts of African palm plantations in the years 1987 and 2010. We adapted the methodology of Mathis Wackernagel and William Rees with some contributions made by Juan Luis Doménech that includes satellite technology, biocapacity indicators and ecological deficit to determine the spatial and natural resource requirements for the production of palm derivatives. In 1987, an ecological footprint of 1.255 ha/ pc, crop biocapacity of 0.470 ha/pc and an ecological deficit of -0.785 ha/pc were recorded, which indicates a value of 16% corresponding to the production and use of resources. In 2010, an ecological footprint of 5.492 ha/pc, crop biocapacity of 1.454 ha/pc and an ecological deficit of -4.038 ha/pc were measured. These rates demonstrate the effects of monocropping in the area which increased the production and use of natural resources by 63%. The development and implementation of spatial planning policies as well as alternative modes of economic production are necessary to improve the environmental and social quality of the municipality, preventing the accelerated anthropization of the region.

Keywords : ecological footprint; African palm; satellite technology; sustainability; monocropping.

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