Historical Geospatial Analysis of Socio-Environmental Conflicts in the Moor of the Duende Natural Park, Colombia

This study presents an innovative strategy for the use of environmental planning tools in protected areas in the context of updating land use plans in Colombia. The problem addressed is the inappropriate use of land that generates socio-environmental conflicts, threatens the integrity and exerts pressure on the main ecosystem of the Moor of the Duende National Park. The objective was to generate a zoning of appropriate land uses under a sustainability premise, integrating environmental determinants and national regulations, such as Law 2372 of 2010 and Decree 3600 of 2007. The methodology included Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, geohistorical compilation of the region, social cartography, and data triangulation. Maps were generated by superimposing cartographic layers and evaluating variables such as erosion, current and potential land use, main ecological structure and use conflicts. Community participation was key to identifying local perceptions and promoting participatory governance. The results identified three levels of conflict (low, medium and high), highlighting critical areas with severe erosion and soil loss in the buffer zone. High-conflict areas were designated for ecological restoration, while low-impact areas were classified for sustainable uses, such as agroforestry and reforestation with native species. In conclusion, the proposed zoning balances ecological conservation and rural development, contributing to the updating of environmental planning instruments. This approach can be replicated in other protected areas, as it combines science, regulations and community participation to resolve land use conflicts, promoting a comprehensive sustainability model.