Application of environmental indicators for land use planning in a coastal area of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to apply environmental indicators and indexes in a coastal area located in the northeastern province of Buenos Aires (Argentina). The study area is located in the sector of the coastal plain of the Río de la Plata corresponding to the Ensenada district. It is an area of high regional biodiversity value and provides numerous ecosystem services. In addition, it is exposed to frequent flood events and waterlogged soils, which determines strong conditioning factors for land use. In this paper, the application of environmental indicators and indexes developed ad hoc is presented in order to assist in the sustainable land use planning of the territory. Indicators were identified and selected to provide information on structural and functional characteristics of the natural environment regarding its fragility in front of anthropic interventions. These indicators were made following these selection criteria: natural vulnerability, patrimonial value and natural conditioning to anthropic interventions. These indicators were integrated to obtain a Natural Territorial Fragility Index (NTFI). Thematic maps of intermediate indexes were generated, as well as a final map corresponding to the NTFI, integrated in a GIS. The results obtained from the NTFI calculation establish that 15,1 % of the area of the district presents a natural fragility with values very high (2,1 %) and high (13 %) and 20,2 % medium value. In the center, W and E-SE of the territory, as well as in the sector closest to the rioplatense riverbank, the NTFI presents very high to medium values mainly associated with low slope environments. Urban areas are developed in this location. There is an urban growth trend advancing on sectors identified with very high to moderate fragility. This index is considered a useful tool for sustainable territorial planning.