The local implications of a macrostrategy on the villagers and the environment

Abstract

Nature subcontracted mankind for temporary management stipulating a rigor that does not disregard the smallest details because this is where the difference between perfection and riskiness lies, which inevitably leads to disasters. It establishes binding general rules and local imperatives to be fulfilled otherwise it takes back the reins. For this reason, anthropic macrostrategies must frame their priorities and objectives according to a sustainable social-ecosystem. Here, we evaluate the environmental effect of the triggered landuse change of the metropolis-portuary-industrial park of Tangier (Strait of Gibraltar) on ecosystem services (i.e. vegetation and water) and anticipate their interactions with indigenous villagers. We established a multifactorial analysis including long-term (1985-2021) land-use dynamic assessment, 16-years pixel-based Mann-Kendall phenological trend, EPM soil erosion modelling and assessment of the total volumes of the detached soil, and an NDVI/NDWI monthly drought monitoring. Later, we compared these outcomes with a social survey with 171 households to analyze their living conditions, and their environmental perception and attitude. We have observed that anthropogenic intervention is the precursor of erosion which is likely to worsen natural weaknesses, which are already at the origin of a massive potential loss of soil estimated at 1.2 kg/m²/year. We correlated the negative phenological trend with the lane of the roads and infrastructure and we observed that severe drought episodes are long, frequent and at short intra and interannual intervals. We found a statistically significant association between the low level of education and the rural seclusion with the environmental degradation and the unavailability of water which can evoke serious risks. We anticipate the urgent need for an inclusive reform that implements a behavioral culture, encourages education, and creates social facilitation to build an upward spiral that produces better conditions and more opportunities for the rural society. Broadly, Managers should integrate scientific instructions to master the details and continuously improve macrostrategies to achieve integral and lasting success.