The replacement of Mediterranean-type vegetation: The challenges for territorial planning and disaster risk in a basin of Central Chile

Abstract

The Chilean Mediterranean basins have undergone processes of replacement of native vegetation by intensive uses of the territory linked to agribusiness. The following paper analyzes changes in land use and their relationship with territorial planning with a focus on disaster risk management in the Puangue basin in Central Chile. A multi-temporal analysis of land uses was carried out (1986-2019) and it was contrasted with the zoning indicated in the Santiago Metropolitan Regulatory Plan (PRMS, in Spanish). The result is that all native vegetation coverage has decreased on the surface. Furthermore, areas with PRMS restrictions, such as mountain ranges, are occupied by intensive agriculture, human settlements, and other non-agrarian uses. It is concluded that changes in land use and the replacement of native vegetation, without adequate territorial planning, can increase the risk of disasters and that adequate supervision of territorial planning instruments is necessary.

Keywords

• gestión territorial
• planificación territorial
• riesgos de desastres
• chile