Lineamientos estratégicos para la reactivación de los centros poblados en el territorio rural. Estudio de caso: corregimiento Riachuelo, municipio de Charalá (Santander)

Abstract

The discussion on rural territory arises from the need to recognize its range of functions, since it is an environment that possesses cultural, environmental, and agricultural values. However, it also faces additional challenges derived from their proximity to urban areas, which intensifies the conflicts associated with its development. In other words, the rural territory is conferred as a strip with diffuse boundaries surrounding urban and peri-urban areas, and it is affected by various difficulties, such as ambiguity in the organization and use of land, which require the intervention of multiple actors. In this context, the research focuses on a specific situation: the reactivation and sustainable development of a population centre facing depopulation. Therefore, field work is carried out to know and evaluate the current state of the study area, understand the expectations of the community, and recognize the actions carried out by public and private entities in different contexts, with the aim of establishing guidelines that contribute to solve the existing problems in that area. The process begins with an exploration of the rural territory under study through an analysis encompassing physical and social aspects. This phase aims to support the diagnosis of the current situation. Next, the research analyses a series of references, chosen for being good practices that contribute to the feedback of the diagnosis and subsequently to the definition of a series of guidelines, structured within the framework of sustainable rural land use planning relevant to the Riachuelo town centre. These guidelines are based on the intrinsic values of the area, its environmental characteristics, and its potential.