TERRITORIAL DISTRIBUTION OF URBAN LOCALITIES IN WETLAND AREAS IN URUGUAY

Abstract

Wetlands occupy between 4% and 6% of the earth's surface and are increasing its significant importance due to its productive landscapes and biological content. Placed amongst the planet's most threatened areas, more than 50% of wetlands were lost in the past century and those less affected have suffered different magnitudes of deterioration, caused by multiple anthropic intervention. Uruguay's dense riverbed runs throughout most of its territory, being wetlands very diverse ecosystems regarding landscapes as well as the rich and bountiful forms of life found in them. This research focuses on assessing the situation of urban zones found within wetland areas throughout national territory, providing information about its dimension as well as assessing the situation for people who inhabit these zones. A methodological strategy based on the spatial analysis of the Geographical Information System's registries allowed research to identify and distinguish flooding in urban zones and its distribution pattern on a national scale. The amount of urban zones developing within wetland areas goes up to 50% of national territory and therefore constitutes undoubtely a national scale problem.