Methodology for the strategic planning of an ecoindustrial park in Esmeraldas-Ecuador

Abstract

Eco-industrial parks are a variant of industrial parks, which are part of strategic planning focused on caring for the environment, by incorporating variables to promote sustainable local development. The objective of this research is to analyze the methodologies that can be used to design industrial parks under criteria of sustainability and industrial symbiosis, in order to define and plan the design of an Industrial Eco-Park for the Province of Esmeraldas-Ecuador. As a result, a methodology was developed that integrates, through 10 steps, an action guide to achieve the design of industrial parks that promote the development of the circular economy, the generation of shared information and collaboration between companies, the participation of research centers and government agencies, as part of an ecosystem. It is concluded that through the integration of methodologies such as Cluster analysis, sustainable industrial symbiosis networks, Cradle to Cradle, among other techniques, it is possible to generate a design and planning of industrial parks aimed at socio-economic development and sustainability of the different sectors, including the fishing sector of the Esmeraldas Province of Ecuador.