Land Use Changes due to Urban and Agricultural Expansion in the Llaucano Basin, Cajamarca (1995-2024)

Barboza-Estela W.O.; Rojas-Gonzales V.J.; Licapa-Redolfo G.S.; Gastolomendo-Malimba E. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.675

Resumen

This study analyzes land-use changes in the Llaucano basin, Hualgayoc province, Cajamarca, between 1995 and 2024, using Landsat satellite images and the Corine Land Cover methodology. The results show significant transformations, especially an increase in artificialized areas, which went from 3.39% to 11.84%, driven by urban expansion, infrastructure construction, and mining expansion. Simultaneously, agricultural areas decreased from 15.73% to 11.73%, while pastures with natural spaces increased their coverage, reflecting a transition toward livestock activities, moving away from intensive agriculture. Water and shrubland categories registered significant decreases, while burned areas increased, evidencing environmental impacts such as habitat division and the decline of ecosystem services. These trends, influenced by human activities and climate change, highlight the region's vulnerability. The research underscores the importance of sustainable strategies that combine biodiversity preservation with economic growth. It proposes implementing reforestation, sustainable agricultural techniques, and sound urban planning to mitigate adverse effects and ensure the long-term sustainability of the basin's ecosystems. These results offer key insights for environmental management in similar contexts.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte