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Water Sowing and Harvesting (WS&H) is an ancestral knowledge widely used as a sustainable technique in water management. This study aims to analyse the importance, promotion, and cultural heritage of WS&H techniques through a literature review in Ecuador, considering applications of ancestral techniques by region (coastal, Andean and insular) with a strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOTs) analysis and a focus group for a strategy proposal of the water supply. The methodology of this study includes the following: (i) an analysis of the evolution of WS&H studies in Ecuador; (ii) a presentation of WS&H techniques and their applications; and (iii) the contribution of WS&H to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), complemented by a SWOTs analysis. The results show that, in Ecuador, WS&H is a method of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) applied to the problems of water scarcity and is affordable, ecological, and has high efficiency, improving agricultural productivity and guaranteeing water supply for human consumption. The Manglaralto coastal aquifer, a case study in the coastal region of Ecuador, involves WS&H management and artificial aquifer recharge. WS&H structures became a reference for the sustainable development of rural communities that can be replicated nationally and internationally as a resilient alternative to water scarcity and a global climate emergency, contributing to the SDGs of UNESCO.

This study proposed a semi-quantitative methodology for assessing the quality of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) websites. The study was based on mixed indicators (binary and ordinal) which were grouped into five dimensions (presentation, content, interactivity, usability, and special UNESCO information) and combined with multivariate assessment using Principal Component Analysis and the application of the focus group technique using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to propose geocommunication strategies. The evaluation matrix, comprising 36 indicators, defined three levels of development (“high”, “moderate”, and “emergent”) and was useful for monitoring website quality and enhancing its territorial value for geotourism, geoconservation, and geoeducation. The results from 156 websites showed a predominance of “moderate development” scores (52.56%) and highlighted positive indicators, such as contact information, geotourism details, mobile compatibility, news, and the UGGp logo. This study also presented the potential of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D tours, for disseminating geoeducational content. However, there was room for the improvement in interaction and information standardization on UGGp web platforms to ensure effective communication that enriches the user experience.

Volcanic environments offer a unique combination for life development. UNESCO recognized the Galapagos Islands as Natural World Heritage site due to the uniqueness of flora and fauna. In addition, they have relevant geological value because of their volcanic origin associated with a “hotspot” and still evolving geological dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the geological heritage of Santa Cruz Island by identifying and valuing geosites, considering the scientific, academic, and tourist fields, and the risk of degradation to establish geoheritage management strategies. This study applied four semi-quantitative assessment methodologies and SWOT analysis to identify 15 geosites related to volcanic hotspots, particularly volcanic craters, cracks, beaches, lava tunnels, lagoons, and volcanic depositional landforms. Due to the uniqueness of their geological characteristics, the evaluations applied reflected “very high” and “high-medium” qualifications in the geosites. Their identification and valuation allowed for establishing protection, geo-education, and sustainable use strategies (geotourism). In addition, the study identified a research opportunity associated with the cultural value of geosites of volcanic environments within protected areas with singular ecological value.

IntroductionHistorically, low-and middle-income countries have been scarce producers of biomedical research; only 2% of the global scientific output is produced by these countries despite accounting for 92% of the global burden of disease. In addition, few low-and middle-income countries have exhaustively mapped and analyzed their scientific production in health and its association with main local burden of disease.ObjectiveTo evaluate the evolution of biomedical research in Ecuador over the last 100 years and its relationship with the main causes of mortality.MethodsA bibliometric study embedded in a systematic review design was carried out using biomedical publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) during the period 1920–2021. Information from the National Institute of Statistics and Census was used to identify the main causes of mortality.ResultsOur search strategy identified 16,697 publications related to biomedicine in Ecuador. Of these 3,225 articles met the criteria for this study. Since 2010, there has been an exponential increase in scientific production in biomedicine. This increase was predominantly based on cross-sectional observational studies (49.67%). During the period analyzed (1920–2021), biomedical production was distributed with 52.43% in clinical research, 37.79% in public health, and 9.77% in basic sciences. The research focus with the highest number of publications was epidemiology and surveillance system of diseases (23.44%). Additionally, private universities are the largest producers of biomedical research compared to public universities, 40.12% vs. 19.60%, respectively. Of the total biomedical research produced, 18.54% is associated with the main causes of mortality, and the Ecuadorian private university is the largest contributor to these studies compared to public universities, 39.97% vs. 16.72%.ConclusionIn one century, Ecuador produced 3,225 articles in biomedicine, according to our criteria. 18.54% of the total produced is aimed at solving the main causes of mortality in the country. Private universities are the leaders in scientific production related to health in Ecuador.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an essential role in agricultural mapping. It reduces costs and time and increases efficiency in agricultural management activities, which improves the food industry. Agricultural mapping is necessary for resource management and requires technologies for farming challenges. The mapping in agricultural AI applications gives efficiency in mapping and its subsequent use in decision-making. This study analyses AI’s current state in agricultural mapping through bibliometric indicators and a literature review to identify methods, agricultural resources, geomatic tools, mapping types, and their applications in agricultural management. The methodology begins with a bibliographic search in Scopus and the Web of Science (WoS). Subsequently, a bibliographic data analysis and literature review establish the scientific contribution, collaboration, AI methods, and trends. The United States (USA), Spain, and Italy are countries that produce and collaborate more in this area of knowledge. Of the studies, 76% use machine learning (ML) and 24% use deep learning (DL) for agricultural mapping applications. Prevailing algorithms such as Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) correlate mapping activities in agricultural management. In addition, AI contributes to agricultural mapping in activities associated with production, disease detection, crop classification, rural planning, forest dynamics, and irrigation system improvements.

The evaluation of geosites is an essential part of conserving the geodiversity and biodiversity of an ecosystem, as well as safeguarding the cultural, geological, environmental, and landscape wealth that a highly recognized geographical area possesses. In this context, Guayaquil, the pearl of the Pacific, is a city that registers, in its history and evolution, a binding relationship with the geo-biodiversity of the geosites that characterize it. This work aims to assess places of tourist interest in Guayaquil and its surrounding areas through a geo-environmental evaluation matrix to establish a sustainability proposal that promotes the geotourism development of the city. The methodology consisted of: (i) geographic registration of the chosen sites and present characteristics, (ii) environmental analysis of the sites based on the cause–effect method, and (iii) strategies for the inclusion of these sites into the geo-environmental and geotourism system of Guayaquil as potential geosites. The results demonstrate that Guayaquil has impressive geodiversity in several potential natural sites, obtaining highly representative values that reinforce the city’s natural diversity elements. Sites such as Cerro San Pedro and the Cerro San Eduardo, Pascuales, and Zeolites quarries have the most significant adverse environmental impacts. While places such as Cerro Azul, Estero Salado, Isla Santay, and Hornos de Cal (Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco), obtained positive values that highlight their environmental value, being of great benefit to the city and to nature. Furthermore, some of these places could be integrated into tourism development plans, and as potential geosites, they could complement various services and opportunities for discovering nature. Finally, all this can lead to a sustainable proposal for a Global Geopark project in Guayaquil based on the results obtained in this work.

The excessive use of energy from fossil fuels, which corresponds to population, industrialisation, and unsustainable economic growth, is the cause of carbon dioxide production and climate change. The Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus is an applicable conceptual framework that helps manage the balance between human development and natural resource constraints, and it becomes a valuable tool to address the challenges of resource depletion and clean energy. This article aims to analyse the relationship between the WEF nexus and clean energy through a statistical analysis and a systematic review of knowledge on energy sustainability. The methodology involves the selection of bibliographic information databases such as Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), a statistical analysis, specifically the Scientometrics applied to the information obtained, and the identification of 179 scientific publications related to the study variables through a screening process called Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The interaction of green energy and sustainability with the WEF nexus has been approached mainly by developed countries such as China (10%), the United States (9.49%), India (7.26%), and Brazil (5.02%). The review of 55 scientific papers identified strategies that balance economic growth and environmental impact, applying clean energy systems (e.g., solar and wind), and the importance of adaptation to the subsystems of the WEF nexus. This study also highlights adaptability to climate change in rural and urban communities. Therefore, it is consistent with the four pillars of sustainable development (Economic: 7 papers, Environmental: 22, Social: 18, and Cultural: 8). This study highlights the following: (a) the importance of the use of renewable energy either in mixed systems and consumption, energy storage, and seeking energy efficiency in systems adapted to diverse environments and (b) the relevance of community participation in the decision-making process for the use of clean energy, such as a strategy for climate change adaptation.

Some cities worldwide have oil wells directly affecting the management of the territory. For example, La Libertad and Salinas districts contain 467 oil wells in urban areas representing a major land-use planning challenge. The objective is to apply the CLUE-S land use model in coastal cities with oil wells (Salinas-La Libertad), using geographic information systems considering environmental and security characteristics for territorial development. The stages of the study are: i) classification and categorisation of oil wells; ii) application of the GIS-CLUE-S method and visualisation of land use dynamics; iii) use the SWOT-TOWS matrix, for the analysis of the situation and the main factors affecting the territory. The results indicate high vulnerability in many urban sectors and those close to the coastline. Furthermore, the CLUE-S analysis shows that the population growth in the urban sector is close to oil well areas, making it a complex pole of human-industry interaction that impacts the management of the territory. This study synthesises three technical aspects: some oil wells do not comply with municipal ordinance regulations; identification of vulnerable zones due to environmental and security factors, which recommends a territorial reordering policy; as well as an education plan for the application of territorial ordering policies, with awareness and sustainability projections.

Soil is an important resource for the development of life and the quality of natural ecosystems. Oil exploitation requires the implementation of complementary infrastructure such as access to highways, water, and energy supplies. These engineering projects can alter the dynamics of natural ecosystems. This study analyses the relationship between land use and land cover (LULC) and oil activity through bibliometric tools and a literature review of the applications of sustainable development strategies. The methodology includes 1) compilation of information from the LULC associated with the oil industry. 2) Data processing and analyses. 3) Interpretation of results within the sustainable development framework. The results indicate that bioenergy studies, climate change, sustainability, and environmental impact assessment tools are trending in this area. The literature review showed that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG9), Climate Action (SDG13), Life Below Water (SDG14), and Life on Land (SDG15) are related directly to various topics of study. This research allows us to consider future lines of study such as evaluating compliance with sustainability indicators and developing territorial and environmental plans for oil activities.

Agricultural management guarantees food security and economic development in various countries by applying new technologies to improve management practices. This study aims to identify the geomatic tools and their relationship with the agricultural activities used in cartography by reviewing scientific publications that contribute to improving agricultural management practices. The methodology consists of (i) a data source search strategy related to geomatics and agricultural management; (ii) data analysis; and (iii) a literary review of the contribution of geomatics in agricultural management. The results show that a large part of the studies orients to agricultural cartography and a smaller number to the use and cover of land (LULC) by agricultural activity, cadastre and precision agriculture. The studies focus on improving agricultural management practices to contribute to food security and combat the impacts of climate change (Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 12 and 13).

Tropical ecosystems play an important role in the environment. They provide multiple ecosystem services, such as carbon capture and sequestration, food supply, and climate regulation. Studying land use and land cover change makes it possible to understand the land’s alterations associated with deforestation, degradation, erosion, soil desertification, and biodiversity loss. The objective of this study is to evaluate the different approaches to land use and land cover research in tropical forests based on the evolutionary and qualitative analysis of the last 44 years of scientific production. The data were collected using the Scopus database and was based on the PRISMA methodology’s four phases: (i) identification, (ii) screening, (iii) eligibility, and (iv) included. The results showed a significant increase in the study of land use and land cover consolidated in 4557 articles, with contributions from 74 countries, revealing 14 themes and seven lines of research. Core research areas such as biodiversity, land use, and conservation exist due to the ongoing interest in the value of tropical forests and their response to climate change. The present research allowed us to consider future study topics such as the relationship between sustainable development goals and land use and cover in tropical forests, as well as the evaluation of the environmental impact of economic activities in forests.

Groundwater is essential in the management of water resources globally. The water quality of aquifers is affected by climate change and population growth, aspects that can be addressed with stable isotope analysis. This study aims to carry out an analysis of the scientific information related to groundwater and stable isotopes (GSI) using scientific databases (Scopus and Web of Science) to evaluate the intellectual structure of the subject and the emerging research lines. The methodology includes: (i) topic search selection, (ii) tools in databases processing, (iii) bibliometric analysis, and (iv) review by clustering technique. The results showed that the scientific production of GSI can be addressed through three evolution periods: I (1969–1990), II (1991–2005), and III (2006–2021). Periods I and II did not significantly contribute to publications because, in the past, most of the student’s thesis (M.Sc. and Ph.D) consisted of writing a report that summarizes their works. Therefore, the researcher was not obliged to publish their results in a professional journal. Finally, the third period showed exponential growth, representing 82.34% of the total publications in this theme because, in the last years, institutions require at least one scientific article depending on the country and university, in order to graduate with an M.Sc. and PhD. Finally, the contribution of this study is reflected in the recognition of new research lines and their applicability by the knowledge of recharge sources, environmental aspects, infiltration, knowledge of the aquifer-meteoric water system, and groundwater-superficial water interaction. These aspects offer the possibility of analyzing integrated water resources management at the watershed or river-aquifer systems level.

Biodiversity is an essential component of nature, relegating the aspects of geodiversity, which provides geological and landscape variety to a territory. However, the importance of geodiversity and its social, economic, educational, scientific, and technological impact on a region, are not well understood. This article measures the geoheritage values of Guayaquil, a port city in Ecuador, via surveys and analyses of variables, with the aim of proposing guidelines or strategies that promote the knowledge and diffusion of that geoheritage. Our methodology included (i) a review of historical landmarks of Guayaquil and their relationship with geodiversity, (ii) a survey and data tabulation, (iii) an analysis of the local population’s perception of the city’s geoheritage, and (iv) the development of geodiversity strategies using computer tools. Our results determined that people approach areas of interest because of each site’s biodiversity and the available information about the site. Once there, they can obtain knowledge about the city’s geology, geodiversity, and urban geotourism. Therefore, geoheritage is an essential consideration in establishing educational plans, initiatives, and promotion strategies. Furthermore, the identification of a city’s heritage values following geoeducation, and the recognition by society of the city’s geosites and their historical–scientific significance, will provide a basis for using geotourism in a context of sustainability.

Marine-coastal ecosystems are productive and valuable habitats worldwide due to their significant contributions to human wellbeing. However, human activities, limited territorial planning, and unsustainable demand and consumption of natural goods and services put pressure on marine-coastal ecosystems. In this sense, marine-coastal planning is a management tool to contrast these forces because it manages different human activities on the coast and in the oceans over space and time, strengthening political, social, and tourist development and the economy of the territory. Our objective is to propose marine-coastal spatial planning strategies through an ecosystem-based approach for allocating a mangrove and estuarine zone conservation area. The study methodology is: (i) Compilation of information from the study area with an emphasis on regulations and protected areas. (ii) Analysis of human relations with marine-coastal ecosystems. (iii) Mapping and zoning of the conservation area. (iv) Analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and threats, weaknesses, opportunities, strengths (SWOT–TWOS) matrix to recommend strategies and guarantee the viability of marine-coastal protection. The results show zoning maps of the sector proposed as a conservation area comprising mangroves and an estuarine zone. It also approaches governance strategies or conservation management measures and protection of the marine-coastal space. Finally, as a recommendation, we propose improvements to the current municipal ordinances, guaranteeing the management and protection of the study area, and furthering achievements in the comprehensive development of land-use planning.

The oil industry requires studies of the possible impacts and risks that exploration, exploitation, and industrialization can cause to the environment and communities. The main objective of this study was to assess the vulnerability caused by oil wells of the Salinas and La Libertad cantons in Ecuador by proposing a multi-criteria spatial analysis methodology that would aid in land-use planning and management. The proposed methodology relates the variables of distance, identification of gas emission from oil wells, permeability, and the state of oil wells (DIPS). The methodology consists of: (i) the diagnosis of oilfield wells; (ii) environmental considerations of productive wells, wells in temporary abandonment, and wells in permanent abandonment; (iii) the vulnerability assessment of both intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of the wells; and (iv) the development of a vulnerability map and recommendations for land management. The results showed 462 wells in the study area, of which 92% were shown to be located in urban areas. Of the total, 114 wells were considered to be productive wells, 89% of which are in urban areas. The vulnerability map identified the areas to be addressed, which coincided with coastal and urban areas associated with oil production. Our main recommendation is to elaborate land-use planning regulations and build safety infrastructure around the wells to guarantee their distance from houses, beaches, and tourism-development sites. The vulnerability map was shown to serve as an essential diagnostic for decision making in managing oil territories, especially in coastal areas.

The development of geoeducation generates a link between people, landscapes, and their culture by recognising the geological potential around geosites and their conservation. Geosites have important scientific value and constitute a way of generating learning tools for the development of geoeducation. The city of Guayaquil, the main port of Ecuador, has a valuable geological and mining heritage, which has been affected by population growth and its invasion of protected areas, causing the displacement of animal species to the point of possible extinction. The research aims to assess geosites in the surroundings of the Gustavo Galindo campus, using the Spanish Inventory of Sites of Geological Interest (IELIG, Spanish acronym) methodology to promote geo-education in the context of sustainability. The methodological process includes (i) the inventory and initial selection of Sites of Geological Interest (SGI) based on interviews with experts and the analysis of primary data from potential sites; (ii) characterisation and semi-quantitative geosites assessment using the IELIG methodology; and (iii) qualitative assessment through SWOT analysis to formulate geotourism and geoeducation development strategies. This research emphasises the importance of promoting geological heritage in an urban area. It shows geotourism attractions represented by five SGI grouped into two types: geomorphological and petrological. In general, the SGI are in the “High” category of the degree of geological interest, ranging from 170 to 236.67. In addition, the study identified the lack of a geological culture and natural values of the university campus. It allowed the proposal of protection strategies (e.g., a geoconservation plan ensuring that the number of visitors does not exceed the maximum load capacity), geoscientific dissemination (e.g., creating games, museums, itineraries, launching geoeducational souvenirs, or developing educational content using augmented reality) and a detailed research based on evaluating sites for sustainable development.

Geological heritage represents and brings together geological elements of great local and global relevance. It also promotes conservation and sustainable use. This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of the contributions that address the topics of geological heritage and geosites, using the Scopus and Web of Science databases for the knowledge of trends and research focuses in this area. The methodology consists of: (i) the preparation of the idea and gathering information from a search on the subjects of interest (geoheritage and geosites); (ii) the merging of the databases and applying automated conversions; and (iii) the analysis of the results and the literature review. The first phase of the work identified 2409 and 1635 documents indexed in Scopus and WoS, respectively. The merged global database (2565 documents) identified the following words as analysis topics: geoconservation, geotourism, geopark, and geodiversity. The analysis also revealed the top five countries in scientific contributions as Italy (12.1%), Spain (8.77%), China (5.67%), Portugal (5.35%), and Brazil (5.31%). Finally, most of the publications focus on the characterisation, assessment, and development of geosite initiatives. The main lines of action and contributions to the topics (7.91%) highlight the fact that geoscientists worldwide value geosites for geoconservation and geotourism strategies.

Groundwater is an important water resource that accounts for 30% of the world’s freshwater. 97% of this extracted groundwater is for drinking and human use. Due to anthropogenic activities, this resource is affected and, consequently, its life cycle is modified, changing its natural state. This paper aims to analyse the scientific production that deals with the study of groundwater’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), using bibliometric methods. Thus, it contributes to the evolution of knowledge of this resource in terms of its use (environmental, economic and social). The methodological process includes: (i) selection and analysis of search topics in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases; (ii) application of Bibliometrix and Visualisation of Similarity Viewer (VOSviewer) software to the data collected; (iii) scientific structure of the relation of the topics groundwater and life cycle, considering programme lines and relations in their sub-themes; (iv) literature review of Author keywords. A total of 780 papers were selected, 306 being from Scopus, 158 from WoS and 316 published in both databases. The time evolution of the analysed data (publications) indicates that groundwater LCA studies have seen exponential growth (between 1983 and 2021). In addition, it has three development periods: introduction (years between 1983 and 2001), growth (between 2002 and 2011) and maturation (between 2012 and 2021). At the country level (origin of contributions authors), the USA dominates the total scientific production with 24.7%, followed by Denmark with 12.8% and 10.3% for China. Among the main topics of study associated with LCA are those focused on: the proposal of remediation methods, the application and development of technologies and the use of water resources by the urban community. This study allows establishing new trends in agricultural development issues about irrigation efficiency, wastewater reuse, mining and treatment, climate change in a circular economy scheme related to sustainability and life cycle assessment.

In recent decades, geotourism has been presented as an alternative for the sustainable socioeconomic development of the community. In addition, it shows significant growth. Portovelo canton, located in the south of Ecuador, is characterised by a significant geological importance complemented by the mining culture and history interest, turning into the first mining centre. Mining is the main economic activity in the area. However, the development of illegal mining without technical considerations affects the canton and its surroundings. Faced with this problem, the need arises for alternatives to improve the inhabitants’ quality of life and protect their geological heritage. This work aims to propose a geotouristic route (GR) in the course of the Amarillo River through the characterisation and quantitative assessment of 10 interest sites (four geosites and six touristic sites), which enhance the geotourism development of the canton, including geoconservation strategies. The methodological process includes (i) characterisation of sites and GR proposal, (ii) sites and GR assessment using the Geotouristic Route Assessment Matrix method (GtRAM, acronym in Spanish) and Brilha method for geosites, and (iii) proposal of geotourism development and geoconservation strategies in a sustainability framework through the analysis of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOT). The results obtained from the proposed GR reflect that 60% of the proposed sites have a tourist interest classified as high, of which the Museo Mineralógico Magner Turner was the best-rated geoheritage element. Similarly, the high scientific, educational, and tourist values of the proposed geoheritage sites are highlighted. Strategies have been established to enhance the GR value: (i) Promoting geotourism through different activities and (ii) proposals for geoconservation and conditioning of geoheritage sites and tourist interest sites considering the geological and environmental impact. The methodology used in the study made it possible to establish geo-guidelines focused on local development, which are coupled with the knowledge of two main groups: Geo-experts and the community.

Ecuador has shown a growth in its scientific production since 2011, representing 85% of the total historical production. These investigations are reflected in scientific publications, which address world interest topics and serve as a link for the university, business, and society. This work aims to analyze the scientific production generated by Ecuador in the period of 1920–2020 using bibliometric methods to evaluate its intellectual structure and performance. The methodology applied in this study includes: (i) terms definition and search criteria; (ii) database selection, initial search, and document compilation; (iii) data extraction and software selection; and finally, (iv) analysis of results. The results show that scientific production has been consolidated in 30,205 documents, developed in 27 subject areas, in 13 languages under the contribution of 84 countries. This intellectual structure is in harmony with the global context when presenting research topics related to “Biology and regional climate change”, “Higher education and its various approaches”, “Technology and Computer Science”, “Medicine”, “Energy, food and water”, and ”Development and applications on the Web”. Topics framed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainability, climate change, and others. This study contributes to the academic community, considering current re-search issues and global concerns, the collaboration between universities and countries that allow establishing future collaboration links.