Participatory socio-ecological system: Manglaralto-Santa Elena, Ecuador

Figures & data

Figure 1. Participatory methodology.

Figure 2. Methodology of the research.

Figure 3. Area of study: limits of Manglaralto parish header.

Table 1. Main changes in Manglaralto parish header.

Aspect	Before (2011)	After (2018)	What did change?	Directly harmed
Population	‐ Few residences	‐ Increase in population density	‐ Urbanism	‐ Terrestrial and mangrove ecosystems
		‐ Increase of urbanized areas for residences and tourist spaces	‐ Economic profit
			‐ New uses of space
Biodiversity	‐ High	‐ Decreasing and in danger	‐ Alteration of ecosystems	‐ Ecosystems
	‐ Low awareness and protection	‐ Medium awareness and protection	‐ Exploitation of resources	‐ Flora and fauna
			‐ Changes in land uses	‐ Local population
			‐ Deforestation
Conservation	‐ Medium natural balance	‐ Low natural balance	‐ Increased environmental awareness	‐ Any
	‐ Low protection and conservation policies	‐ Medium protection and conservation policies	‐ Valorization of resources
		‐ Medium implementation of policies and importance.
Tourism	‐ Empirical	‐ Training	‐ Dissemination of attractions	‐ Terrestrial and mangrove ecosystems
	‐ Scanty territorial and spatial planning	‐ Tourism regulation measures	‐ Tourist facilities
Water	‐ Available at all hours	‐ Limited access	‐ Population increase	‐ Ecosystems
	‐ Example of participative community management		‐ Low rainfall	‐ Inhabitants, associations, and local businesses
			‐ Diminution of recharge areas: wooded areas
			‐ Saline intrusion

Figure 4. Dynamics and interactions in Manglaralto parish header.

Table 2. Perception of beneficiaries about ecosystem services of Manglaralto.

Type	Ecosystem services	Trend	Beneficiaries
			Local	National	International
Supplying	Fishing		✓	✓
	Agriculture		✓
	Livestock		✓
Regulation	Air purification		✓	✓
	Water regulation		✓
	Erosion control		✓
	Species habitat		✓
	Protection of the coasts		✓	✓
Cultural	Sun and beach tourism			✓	✓
	Adventure trip			✓	✓
	Ecotourism			✓
	Cultural identity		✓	✓
	Environmental education		✓	✓
	Spiritual enjoyment			✓	✓

Table 3. Socio-ecological system of Manglaralto.

System	Description
Social	The main source of water supply for inhabitants comes from the Manglaralto coastal aquifer. The coastal aquifer has an area of 508 ha. The main economic activities are tourism, retail trade, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. In the dry season (June–November), it is difficult to recharge the aquifer; so it triggers a low production in agricultural and livestock activities and threatens the ability to provide quality services in tourism and commerce. Fishing activity is also affected by the loss of diversity of marine species and the overexploitation of the Pacific Ocean.
Ecologic	The territory of the Manglaralto parish header consists of four types of ecosystems: mangrove, marine, humid coastal forest, and western dry forest. There are four nearby forested areas: Chongón-Colonche, Loma Alta, Cangrejal de Olón, and Esterillo Oloncito. There are six agricultural and livestock areas in the territory; such as: Dos Hermanos, Mar y Frío, Siempre Verde, Soledad María, El Refugio, and Las Uvas. The main environmental problems present in the territory of the parish are the degradation of the ecosystems, deforestation of forests and mangroves, pollution by solid and liquid wastes, water scarcity, and the increase of the populated area without planning.