Diseño de una zona de amortiguamiento contra incendios forestales localizada en la reserva natural de Iguaque en el departamento de Boyacá

Abstract

The project focuses on the creation of a forest fire buffer zone for the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, located in the department of Boyacá, Colombia. This sanctuary, with an area of 6,750 hectares and an altitude that varies between 2,400 and 3,800 meters above sea level, is home to a variety of ecosystems, including humid forests, páramos, and high Andean areas. The reserve provides crucial water resources for the surrounding municipalities and is home to rich biodiversity. However, it faces serious threats due to recurrent forest fires, agricultural expansion, and deforestation, which negatively impact its native vegetation and ecosystems. The project will use satellite images and GIS tools, such as QGIS, to perform a detailed classification of the areas within the sanctuary, identifying different cover classes such as vegetation, crops, bare soils, and urban areas. The relationships between temperature, wind direction and speed, and affected areas will be analyzed to better understand how these factors contribute to forest fires. A comprehensive management plan will be developed that will include the delimitation of firebreaks, the identification of critical risk zones, and the formulation of specific strategies to prevent and control fires. In addition, a cartographic map will be developed that will serve as a visual tool for the management and conservation of the sanctuary. The project will also focus on promoting the active participation of the local community in the management of the area, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and fostering greater environmental awareness. The implementation of the buffer zone is expected to improve the protection of the sanctuary's biodiversity, facilitate the regeneration of vegetation affected by fires, and reduce the risk of future forest fire events. Overall, the project aims to ensure the long-term conservation of the Iguaque Sanctuary's ecosystems and water resources, thus strengthening its role in preserving the environment and the well-being of the surrounding communities.