Identification of Synergies and Conflicts in Coastal and Marine uses in Colombian Pacific: a Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis

Abstract

The increasing demands for physical space towards diverse maritime activities call for coherent planning and scientific knowledge to support the management of the marine the environment. Using secondary multi-scale geographic information gathered from national institutions, expert judgment and a multi-criteria analysis integrated with GIS tools, we aimed to identify potential synergies and conflicts between human activities occurring in the jurisdiction of the master harbor of Buenaventura in the Valle del Cauca department (CP01) in the Colombian Pacific coast. We identified 105 overlaps in which 5.04% were categorized with high CNI (Conflict Normalized Index), while 13 interactions were evaluated with the highest conflict value, representing 14 sectors/groups. Additionally, 12.97% of the overlaps were categorized with a medium number of overlaps (4-6 overlays use), specifically distributed inside the Buenaventura Bay. Conservation uses (Protected Areas – SINAP in Colombia) was consistent within all 13 incompatibilities and conflicts distribution along the study area was not homogenous. The methodological approach used in this study can be used to identify conflicts and synergies in human uses and activities in the marine and coastal environment through the implementation of a methodology adapted to the context of the area. It presents a technical contribution to future processes of Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning and the Integrated Management of the Coastal Zone of Colombia.