| dc.description.abstract | The present study was carried out in the Cordillera Alux Protective Forest Reserve
in Guatemala and included Mixco, San Juan Sacatepéquez, San Lucas
Sacatepéquez, San Pedro Sacatepéquez and Santiago Sacatepéquez villages. The
study of values attitudes and behavior was carried out in the municipality of San
Lucas Sacatepéquez, included a sample of 369 people and data were collected in
2014. On the perception of the community towards the environment it was
determined that the inhabitants had a low level of knowledge about the conservation
of the protected area and the forest resources; only about 50% showed interest in
becoming involved in movements or participating in the resolution of environmental
problems. This result turns out to be a limitation with which one must work in
environmental education programs, with the objective of taking positive actions for
its conservation.
The spatial growth trend and the change in land use were studied with a projection
of the populated areas by 2030, to precede circumstances that should be considered
in urban planning. It was found that the evolution of the structure in the population
centers from its foundation until today, went from a traditional plot of the Spanish
communities to become fragmented cities. The spatial analysis, through the
photointerpretation of Landsat TM satellite images, showed the change in coverage
of land use, the evolution of population centers and the expansion of urban areas.
Among the factors that most influence the territorial environmental dynamics of the
settlements, is the proximity to the capital city, which has led to the conurbation. The
simulation on the future scenario to 2030, following the current trend, shows changes
in coverage, progress in urban growth and the reduction of forest area, fundamental
aspects to consider in the planning of the territory and in the taking of preventive
measures.
The investigation concludes with the proposal of a method to be used in the analysis
on land use in protected areas that have been inhabited since before being declared
as such. The purpose is to determine the impact that the change in land use has had
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on the configuration trends of the area. In addition, it is an auxiliary tool in territorial
planning. | |
