Abstract

CUERO MELVILLE, Diana Carolina  and  LAVALLE VILLACIS, Ana Gabriela. Analysis of Land Use Change in Guayaquil's Urban Expansion: Perspectives and Challenges. Rev. Sci. [online]. 2024, vol.9, n.33, pp.129-150.  Epub May 10, 2025. ISSN 2542-2987.  https://doi.org/10.29394/scientific.issn.2542-2987.2024.9.33.6.129-150.

Accelerated urban expansion in Latin America presents significant challenges for sustainable territorial planning. This study analyzes land use transformation in the “Ciudad de Dios” sector of Guayaquil, Ecuador, over five decades. Through a mixed methodological approach (quantitative-qualitative), multitemporal analysis of satellite images (1969-2023) was combined with expert interviews and documentary analysis. Results reveal a radical transformation of the territory: urban area increased from 5% to 70%, while forest cover decreased from 75% to 10%. Analysis from the Ecuadorian Agricultural Geoportal identified that the territory, classified as C3 with aptitude for semi-permanent crops, has undergone urbanization that contradicts its original vocation. The main causes identified include institutional lack of coordination, prevalence of informal settlements, and absence of effective environmental protection policies. It is concluded that the current urban expansion model is unsustainable, requiring urgent implementation of territorial planning policies that integrate environmental conservation with urban development.

Keywords : public policy; invasions; planning; sustainable development; rural; urban.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )