Environmental Planning Strategies for the Sustainability of the Agricultural Sector

Introduction: The research approached the Environmental Management System (EMS) as an essential tool to regulate the productive and administrative practices of agricultural enterprises in the municipality of Colón. The EMS was considered to comprise an organizational structure oriented to the rational use of natural resources, promoting corporate social responsibility. It was intended to generate awareness among producers about the economic, social and ecological benefits of applying sustainable practices in their production units. Development: During the development of the study, theoretical background and practical experiences in environmental management were analyzed. The case of the La Esmeralda farm, where a model based on ISO 14001 was partially implemented, and the work of Yépez, which emphasized community participation and the strategic approach, were highlighted. Contributions related to decision-making in agricultural enterprises were also reviewed, in which the need to adopt a strategic, ecological and social vision to face the challenges of the current environment was evidenced. The importance of variables such as bioethics, eco-efficiency and environmental training in strengthening the productive sector was recognized. Conclusions: The research concluded that integrating environmental management into the agrarian sphere offered multiple benefits, including reduced environmental impact, institutional strengthening and access to demanding markets. It was also determined that the success of this integration depended on collective commitment, environmental education and strategic planning, key elements for achieving sustainable development in the municipality of Colón.