To the search for sustainability: ecosystem integration, rail and University

The study is conducted on the campus of the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. In the university area there are three natural ecosystems with high biodiversity: wetlands, savanna and gallery forest. The development plan of the... [ view full abstract ]

The study is conducted on the campus of the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. In the university area there are three natural ecosystems with high biodiversity: wetlands, savanna and gallery forest. The development plan of the national railway system impacts the university campus an environmental service alters ecosystems. The research is justified by the need to reconcile the conservation of ecosystems, the importance of rail for regional development and the equity value of the university. The aim is to describe the process of negotiation between the University of Carabobo and the Instituto de Ferrocarriles del Estado to build the stretch of the railway. The method is descriptive, a case study is performed. Activities since 1996-2015 are analyzed. The information is obtained through the review of projects, reports, environmental legal framework, field, photographic records, etc. are analyzed. The study is divided into four phases: 1. Preliminary University Master Plan. 2. Analysis of the environmental impact. 3. Identification of measures and institutional arrangements. 4. Start of work. Among the results are: a) There was a project of a university park linked to academic activities, b) As for the studies of environmental and sociocultural impact, gallery forest and wetlands they are the most affected. The forest is a relict of the vegetation of the San Esteban National Park. This ecosystem regulates temperature and keeps the local river flow Cabriales. The wetland is a reservoir of vulnerable species and habitats of local and migratory birds. As for cultural impact, noise and disruption of campus landscape are the most important elements. c) An impact matrix was developed ecosystem and work phase of the work and selected 16 key measures: preventive, corrective, and compensatory mitigation. d) An interinstitutional agreement between the parties was signed. This required the development of specific projects for each ecosystem, where impacts and the required measures were considered. The projects were annexed to the interinstitutional agreement. e) To the beginning of the work it was necessary Environmental Monitoring Plan and the authorization for the involvement of Natural Resources, both requirements of the legal framework. It concludes: 1. The impact of the work of the railway at the University of Carabobo is significant and alters the natural and cultural environment of the institution, requiring the modification of the Master Plan. 2. The base study and environmental impact assessments online, they provided critical to the ecological and social value of the area information. 3. It was necessary to establish an interagency committee with experts from different areas of expertise, to monitor environmental impact reports and the selection of the required measures. The contribution of the university community in drafting the agreement was through the constitution of a commission that presented a preliminary document with preventive, corrective, mitigating and compensatory measures. 4. Meet the legal framework and the agreement signed is fundamental to the process of negotiation and execution of the work premise.

  Keywords: ecosystem, rail impact, university, negotiation, sustainability.