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Identification of ecosystem services in the vegetation of cerro El Venado, Yopal municipality
Contextualization: This study focuses on quantifying and estimating ecosystem services provided by forested areas and vegetation. The scientific community has recognized that such vegetation covers offer ecosystem services (ES), which are essential for maintaining the planet's basic functions. These services include tangible and intangible benefits derived from nature, such as air quality maintenance, water purification, climate regulation, carbon capture, and food production. Ecosystem services are categorized as regulatory, provisioning, support, and cultural services, all contributing to human well-being through essential ecological processes (Ruiz, 2012; Fisher et al., 2009).
Knowledge gap: There is a deficiency in knowledge concerning the local community’s awareness of their role in addressing climate change. While global awareness is growing, there is a need to empower local populations to realize that small but collective actions, such as refraining from deforestation, incorporating trees into productive systems, and making informed decisions, can collectively contribute to significant climate change mitigation.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to contribute to climate change mitigation by quantifying carbon fixation in tree and shrub vegetation in the study area. Additionally, the research aims to highlight the importance of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and the need for forest conservation in the tutelary hills of Yopal, particularly Cerro El Venado, which improves the quality of life for Yopal's residents.
Methodology: The research is conducted in six temporary plots: three in forested areas and three in silvopastoral systems. In these plots, the diameter at breast height (DBH) and total stem height of trees are measured to quantify carbon fixation. A total of 35 species in the stem stage were identified. The aboveground biomass is calculated using allometric models, with field data such as tree diameter and total height entered into the models.
Results and conclusions: The results show that the forests store between 35.14-14.05 tons/ha of aboveground biomass, while silvopastoral systems store between 3.85-2.26 tons/ha. In terms of carbon dioxide, the forests sequester an average of 45.13 tons/ha, while silvopastoral systems store 3.05 tons/ha. Additionally, the study identifies the area as a biological corridor for fauna migrating between the savannah and the Andean mountain range. Scenic beauty is also emphasized, as the Cerro El Venado foothills create a microclimate that benefits the city of Yopal. The study concludes that protecting these forested areas is vital for enhancing the quality of life in Yopal.
