Characteristics and Challenges of Informal Settlements in Ecological Conservation Areas: A Study in Quebrada El Choclino, San Martín

Introducción: Irregular human settlements represent a direct threat to the conservation of protected natural areas, affecting biodiversity and ecological processes. In the ecological conservation area of Quebrada El Choclino, San Martín, a significant growth of this phenomenon has been observed.Objective: To describe the characteristics of informal settlements in the ecological conservation area of Quebrada El Choclino, San Martín.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a random sample of 300 inhabitants and a total of 781 dwellings. Validated surveys and observation sheets were applied to obtain sociodemographic data, housing conditions, and perceptions regarding ecological regulations. The data were analyzed using relative and absolute frequency tables.Results: 62.3% of respondents received promises of legal tenure from the government. The male population predominated (62.3%), and 42% were over 41 years old. Legal tenure was present in 90.9% of the homes, but only 25.7% had potable water and 10% electricity in certain sectors. More than 60% considered ecological regulations important for environmental conservation.Conclusions: The community is predominantly composed of middle-aged males. The dwellings show variable conservation status with a predominance of poor structural conditions. The community faces significant limitations in access to basic services such as potable water, electricity, and sanitation, associated with socioeconomic vulnerability. Despite these conditions, the population attributes importance to regulations for the protection of ecological areas and shows some knowledge about the conservation zone.