Estimation of morphometric diversity in the Kankuamo indigenous reserve, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15649/2346030X.4109Keywords:
geodiversity, geotourism, morphometric indices, kankuamo indigenous reserveAbstract
This study focuses on the estimation of morphometric diversity in the area of direct influence of the Kankuamo indigenous reservation, located southeast of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), Colombia, and home to approximately 17,000 inhabitants. Given its position in the SNSM, this territory has a high geodiversity, understood as the amount of abiotic elements per unit area, including geology, geomorphology, hydrology and pedology. This imposing coastal mountain system spans three departments and is the source of numerous rivers and tributaries that originate watersheds of great importance, such as the Guatapurí and Badillo rivers, which directly influence the Kankuamo resguardo.
Through the use of morphometric indices, diversity was estimated using algorithms in ArcGIS software and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), relating indices such as relief amplitude (Ar), stream frequency (Fu), drainage density (Dd), topographic humidity index (TWI), slope gradient (Sg) and dissection index (Di) in the territory's watersheds, which allowed quantifying and spatializing the morphometric diversity of the area. The estimation of morphometric diversity is presented as a fundamental tool for the integrated management of the landscape, facilitating the sustainable use of the natural diversity of the territory by the communities.
It is suggested to include in their Life Plan (Development Plan) of the indigenous communities, the planning and management of the natural resources present, as well as to designate areas that function as geo-sites, which possess characteristics of importance in the bio-geo-cultural history of the resguardo. This information could contribute to the generation of employment for the population through the management of geotourism.
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