Alternativas econômicas que permitam a conservação do meio ambiente para os habitantes do Corregimento do Encano

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to present the possible economic alternatives for people dedicated to the production of charcoal in El Encano village (Municipality of Pasto). The study adopts a quantitative approach, and a descriptive type of study. From a population of 139 individuals, a representative sample of 54 inhabitants engaged in charcoal activity was selected. The data was obtained through the application of a questionnaire, and also through the observation of the economic activities in the different places where they live. It was found that there are other alternatives such as agro-industrialization and marketing of aromatic plants, breeding of minor species and rural tourism and agrotourism that may improve the quality of life of people working with charcoal, not only for economic reasons but also for the environmental protection, with the use of the landscape and gastronomic richness of the region. To conclude, despite the environmental importance and government efforts, the community still continues the deforestation, for both the production of charcoal and firewood as well as for the use of land for livestock and potato crops, thus endangering the natural balance of the environment, the small water resource retention and the landscape beauty. However, the cultivation of aromatic plants is viable because of the optimal climate conditions and the land, the inhabitants know the process, which minimally requires agrochemicals, and when cultivated with good agricultural practices, it leads to the opening of markets.