CLUE-S model based on GIS applied to management strategies of territory with oil wells—Case study:Santa Elena,Ecuador

Some cities worldwide have oil wells directly affecting the management of the territory.For example,La Libertad and Salinas districts contain 467 oil wells in urban areas representing a major land-use planning challenge.The objective is to apply the CLUE-S land use model in coastal cities with oil wells(Salinas-La Libertad),using geographic information systems considering environmental and security characteristics for territorial development.The stages of the study are:i)classification and categorisation of oil wells;ii)application of the GIS-CLUE-S method and visualisation of land use dynamics;iii)use the SWOT-TOWS matrix,for the analysis of the situation and the main factors affecting the territory.The results indicate high vulnerability in many urban sectors and those close to the coastline.Furthermore,the CLUE-S analysis shows that the population growth in the urban sector is close to oil well areas,making it a complex pole of human-industry interaction that impacts the management of the territory.This study synthesises three technical aspects:some oil wells do not comply with municipal ordinance regulations;identification of vulnerable zones due to environmental and security factors,which recommends a territorial reordering policy;as well as an education plan for the application of territorial ordering policies,with awareness and sustainability projections.

Evaluation of the potential of coastal cliffs as geosites for the promotion of geotourism

Coastal zones, with their significant geodiversity, are vital areas for geotourism. Effective management is crucial to harness the geological interest of these sites as geotourism resources while ensuring their conservation. ManabíProvince is one of the most representative regions along the Ecuadorian coast due to its beaches and coastal cliffs, offering a wealth of tourist attractions and cultural elements. This study aims to evaluate the geosite potential of six cliffs in ManabíProvince through quantitative and qualitative analyses to propose geotourism promotion strategies. The methodology involves (i) inventory and characterisation of the cliffs, (ii) assessment of the sites by the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest method (IELIG), and (iii) qualitative evaluation through focus group discussions and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The results reveal that all six sites boast diverse geological assets, including geomorphological, stratigraphic, sedimentological, and tectonic elements. They are characterised by “high ”scientific, didactic, and tourist interest, while also being sus- ceptible to degradation due to natural and anthropic threats. The SWOT analysis demonstrates that the valuable geological and geomorphological heritage of potential geosites provides an opportunity to foster geotourism and boost the province’s economy, incorporating geoconservation and geoeducation strategies. This study proposes a georoute called “Ruta Acantilados del Sol ”, a 245 km journey encompassing all six sites, incorporating diverse tourist and cultural activities. Our research lays the foundation for fostering geotourism along the Manabícoast and strengthening the connection between nature, heritage, and the welfare of residents within a global resilience plan.