Comprehensive Risk Management Plan to Strengthen Resilient Territorial Planning in the Quevedo Canton, Los Ríos Province, Ecuador

Resumen

The study aimed to design a comprehensive risk management plan to strengthen territorial planning and urban resilience in Quevedo canton, Ecuador. A mixed methodological approach was applied, combining geospatial analysis using geographic information systems, community data collection, regulatory review, and the implementation of operational instruments based on the Incident Command System. Flood and landslide susceptibility maps were developed, identifying critical zones with high population exposure. The results showed that floods and landslides represented the predominant threats, especially in urban areas near water bodies and in sectors characterized by unplanned growth. Additionally, the analysis allowed the estimation of distances and travel times to safe zones, providing technical inputs for optimizing evacuation routes. Community strengthening strategies were incorporated through structured training processes, enabling the transformation of vulnerabilities into local capacities. The study concluded that effectively integrating risk management into land-use planning instruments significantly improves local governance, reduces exposure to hazards, and promotes safer and more sustainable urban development.