Zonificación ambiental rural participativa del predio Hato Rondón (Antiguo ETCR), San Juan de Arama – Meta

Abstract

Within the framework of the Final Peace Agreement in Colombia, the Hato Rondón property (Meta), granted in 2023 to signatories of the Peace Agreement as part of their reincorporation process, faces an environmental conflict stemming from the overlap and contradiction between territorial planning instruments, such as the POMCA of the Middle and Lower Ariari River and the Integrated Management Plan for the same area. Although a large portion of the property is classified as a conservation zone, in practice it is predominantly used for agricultural purposes, revealing a disconnection between environmental planning instruments and actual land use. In response to this situation, the Participatory Rural Environmental Zoning (ZARP) strategy was implemented. Through six phases, it incorporates local knowledge, biophysical and social characterization, and community dialogue to establish recommendations aimed at conservation, restoration, and sustainable development. The implementation of ZARP made it possible to identify areas suitable for agroforestry and silvopastoral systems compatible with conservation objectives, and facilitated the signing of a conservation agreement. The results show that ZARP is an effective tool for aligning environmental goals with social needs, overcoming the limitations of traditional planning. Finally, specific guidelines are proposed for its implementation in Hato Rondón, strengthening territorial governance and environmental sustainability in post-conflict contexts.