Risk mitigation strategies for fluvial erosion of the Portoviejo River in the La Mocora sector of the Portoviejo Canton.

Abstract

This study focused on developing effective strategies to mitigate the risks of river erosion in the La Mocora sector of the Portoviejo Canton, specifically along the banks of the Portoviejo River. To achieve this objective, a research was designed that covered several objectives and research methodologies, for which an exhaustive review of the existing literature on risk mitigation strategies for soil erosion was carried out. This included the compilation of relevant information from previous studies, regulations, technical guides and international experiences. Analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive methods were applied to organize and synthesize the theoretical information available, in addition the Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to analyze the current situation in the areas with the highest risk of erosion in the La Mocora sector. This analysis included the collection of spatial data, such as satellite images and topographic maps, to identify critical areas and active erosion processes. Based on the findings of the previous objectives, a proposal for river erosion risk mitigation strategies specifically adapted to the La Mocora sector was developed. This proposal included measures such as reforestation of degraded areas, construction of retaining walls and use of bioengineering techniques, methods of the theoretical level of knowledge were applied to substantiate and sustain the viability and effectiveness of these strategies, and a validation of the proposal of strategies through the participation of multidisciplinary experts from the Technical University of Manabí and representatives of the Decentralized Autonomous Government of Portoviejo.