Vulnerability of native forests in the Colombian Choco: mining and biodiversity conservation

作者：Valois Cuesta Hamleth^*; Martinez Ruiz Carolina

来源：BOSQUE, 2016, 37(2): 295-305.

DOI：10.4067/S0717-92002016000200008

• ecological vulnerability index
• mining production index
• mining activity index
• biological conservation
• gold and platinum mining

Choco is a region with high biodiversity and impacted by gold and platinum mining. This study determined the potential vulnerability of forests of Choco to the loss of plant species in a context of mining activity. Field trips to different mining municipalities of the Choco region were conducted in order to document the techniques of mineral extraction and the miners' perception on the performance and the environmental impact of mining in their territories. From data on gold and platinum production (1990-2012), the number of mining titles (2012-2013), number of mines and type of machinery used (2008-2012), the indices of mining activity (IAMAR) and relative mining production (IPMAR) were determined for all the territorial entities of Choco. Additionally, the number of endemic species and threatened species was estimated and used to calculate the potential floristic vulnerability index (IVFP) regarding loss of species. The IVFP varied significantly between municipalities and subregions of the Choco territory. The Municipalities with more IVFP were Condoto (9.43%), Istmina (7.75 %), Novita (7.74 %), Quibdo (7.64 %) and San Jose del Palmar (6.56 %). At the subregional level, San Juan (54.8%) had the highest IVFP. Mining in Choco threats strategic ecosystems of global importance for the conservation of biodiversity and highlights the need for measures to prevent and mitigate the loss of species in areas with high vulnerability due to mining.

• 出版日期2016