Impacto del crecimiento urbano en el entorno natural: Un análisis de la parroquia La Aurora, cantón Daule (2010-2025)

The La Aurora parish, in the Daule canton of Ecuador, has experienced one of the highest rates of population and urban growth since 2010. This study investigates the negative environmental impacts of this expansion, focusing on deforestation, pressure on water and energy resources, and biodiversity loss. Through a qualitative-descriptive approach and an analysis of census data, it is shown that this growth has generated significant ecological imbalances. The findings confirm that the exponential increase in population and housing has increased pressure on basic services and has led to the conversion of agricultural and forest lands into urban areas, a phenomenon known as uncontrolled urban sprawl. It is concluded that the lack of strategic planning and adequate infrastructure poses a threat to the sustainability of the area and the quality of life of its residents.