Programa participativo de restauración ecológica en fincas agrícolas de la zona sur de Cartago

Some models of agricultural production have led to an anthropocentric matrix of large fields with little or no natural vegetation, where the use of agrochemicals predominates, causing negative impacts on the environment and society. However, there are also models that focus on agroecological production, which allows the preservation of different landscape characteristics, such as gallery forests, living fences, and remaining trees in pastures, among others. These types of tree cover can be crucial for wildlife in agroecosystems, as they provide shelter, food, and reproductive resources for species. Numerous studies have shown the importance of maintaining an environment rich in biodiversity in crop fields, since a greater richness of organisms helps to increase the functional diversity of a system and the correct development of the natural processes necessary for agriculture, such as natural regulation of pests, pollination, or the transformation of organic matter into humus. Conventional agriculture, where it is simplified to the extreme of its environment, tends to present great instability, which is reflected in the need to use inputs intensively (fertilizers, pesticides). Instead, agroecological systems that promote productive diversification as well as elements in the landscape that favor biodiversity have significant positive impacts on agricultural production, human health, and the conservation of natural resources. Certain lands tend to be abandoned after having been used for agricultural purposes due to loss of productivity as a result of poor management. These areas have great potential for the recovery of the ecosystems and natural processes that originally took place there. In this way, ecological restoration is proposed as a solution to reverse the problem of biodiversity loss while implying socioeconomic benefits for local communities. This project proposes to implement an ecological restoration program in the southern area of Cartago to increase the benefits generated by biodiversity in agricultural production and the improvement in the livelihoods of farmers. The specific objectives of the project are (a) to determine the perception and

(b) To characterize a series of agricultural farms for their management, (c) To convey the importance of sustainable agriculture that promotes the diversification of productive activities and the conservation of biodiversity in the rural environment, (c) To identify priority issues for the development of studies related to the project topic, (d) To design and implement a participatory ecological restoration program together with the farmers and members of local organizations. The methodological approach is one of participatory action because all project activities include farmers and other members of local communities interested in participating in the project from the beginning. In addition, the project will involve TEC students through final graduation papers

Implementar un programa de restauración ecológica en la zona sur de Cartago para el incremento de los beneficios que genera la biodiversidad en la producción agrícola y el mejoramiento en los medios de vida de las personas agricultoras.

Manejo de los recursos naturales. Producción agropecuaria sostenible.