Title: Sustainable development indicators for land use in Santiago, Chile
Abstract:Human transformations of land systems are considered as the largest source of change on
earth (Kok, Verburg et al. 2007). Human societies and land are both complex systems which
are interconnected eac...Human transformations of land systems are considered as the largest source of change on
earth (Kok, Verburg et al. 2007). Human societies and land are both complex systems which
are interconnected each other and co-evolve in mutual interaction permanently.
Traditionally, conversions of natural land to human use have been linked to several
environmental and social problems (Vollmer 2005). Assessment of sustainability for land
systems are an unavoidable part for land-use planning, management and decision-making.
They constitute a key issue pertaining to sustainable land-use. In Chile, as in most developing
countries, land activities have transformed a large proportion of the nation’s land surface,
especially in larger cities and their surrounding areas, such as the Metropolitan Region of
Santiago. Rapid growth experienced in Santiago in the past decades has increased economic
development at the expense of losses in environmental quality and land resources
availability. In order to propose sustainability indicators for land-use in Santiago, a
multidimensional framework called The MAIN tetra is presented (Kain 2000). This analytical
model allows interpreting through a four-pointed tetrahedron defined by MIND – ARTIFACTS
– INSTITUTIONS – NATURE – the dimensions of sustainable development. Since land system
is considered a dynamic system, proposed indicators look forward to represent changing
trends for the natural land features, land ownership and land management characteristics.
In parallel, interviews to selected stakeholders were conducted, in order to enrich the SDI
construction with perception of stakeholders' approaches about land use and sustainability.
Proposed indicators include a review of the whole land system and its parts, consider a
multidimensional approach, and proposed time frame for further assessment. Indicators
also focus on urban-rural development and pressure over the land resources, and propose a
limited number of key issues for analysis and a limited number of indicators (37 indicators).
The information obtained from this research can be used for contributing to planning and
policy creation, support land use policy priorities, encourage debate and spark interest in
sustainability issues.Read More
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Date: 2008-01-01
Language: en
Type: dissertation
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Cited By Count: 1
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