Impacto antrópico en la estructura y calidad del paisaje en la vía Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the anthropic impact on the structure and quality of the landscape at five strategic points along the Cuenca–Girón–Pasaje road, located in the provinces of Azuay and El Oro, Ecuador. This road section crosses sensitive ecosystems such as páramo, montane forest, and tropical dry forest, which have been drastically transformed by urban expansion, road infrastructure, and extractive activities. The study adopted a mixed methodology that integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches, analyzing variables such as landscape fragmentation, remaining vegetation cover, ecological connectivity, and land use. The results show that the sampling points located in areas of greater human intervention (PDM3 and PDM5) present higher levels of degradation, with fragmented landscapes, low connectivity, and a predominance of agricultural and urban activities. In contrast, PDM4 located in the páramo area shows a better state of conservation, with minimal anthropic presence. The study concludes that anthropic intervention has dramatically transformed the Andean and coastal ecosystems in the area, compromising biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is recommended to implement comprehensive landscape management measures that articulate ecological conservation with sustainable development at the local level.