Regionalization and Environmental Impact: A Deep Dive
Understanding Regions
A region is a designated area of land or water smaller than the total area of interest (e.g., planet, country, river basin) but larger than a specific site. It can be a group of smaller units (e.g., countries of Latin America) or a section of a larger whole (e.g., Earth’s polar regions). The concept of a region is linked to scale, with sizes ranging from supranational (e.g., European Community, Andean region) to small counties or valleys.
Characteristics
Regional boundaries are established by presidential decree, adopted in a cabinet meeting. These boundaries should ideally coincide with existing political and territorial divisions.
Territorial Enforcement Plan
An interagency, multidisciplinary, and permanent coordination process brings together representatives from different areas to determine the best ways to utilize regional resources and potential.
Administrative Violations and Penalties
Actions contradicting established laws are considered null and void. Officials involved in such actions may incur civil or criminal liability.
Role of Federal Entities
States, as parts of the country, have exclusive jurisdiction over the following:
- Organization of public powers within their municipalities and local administrative divisions, including political-territorial divisions.
- Management of their assets and constitutional investments.
- Use of public credit.
- Organization of rural and urban policies, with states operating as smaller entities within the country, working towards development in harmony with the national plan.
- Control of land use plans, overseen by state governors with guidance from the Ministry of Environment.
Relevant Articles
Article 4
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as a decentralized federal state, is governed by the principles of territorial integrity, solidarity, cooperation, assistance, and shared responsibility.
Article 16
For political organization, the national territory is divided into states, districts, the capital district, federal agencies, and federal territories. This political-territorial division is regulated by organic law, guaranteeing municipal autonomy and political-administrative organization.
Ecological Imbalance Due to Human Actions
The Ecological Balance
Ecological balance results from the interaction of environmental factors, maintaining ecosystem stability. The relationship between individuals and their environment is crucial for the life of all species.
Ecological Effects of Human Action
The most serious effects impact renewable natural resources: water, soil, flora, fauna, and air.
Water Pollution
- Wastewater: Originating from households.
- Industrial wastewater: A major source of pollution.
- Agricultural pollution: Stemming from agricultural products.
Economy and Environment
The Economic Impact on the Environment
The drive for development, leading nations to expand industrial activities, has resulted in accelerated environmental deterioration (atmosphere, water, biodiversity). This can impose a high environmental cost on countries.
Models Used for Regionalization
The goal is to decentralize the state and build autonomy for self-governance. The state is divided into regions, empowering decisions on regional matters (roads, social security, mountains, mining, buildings). This model can be federal or regional, with regional representation in the Senate, a regional president, and a parliament. Examples include Italy, Spain, France, USA, Canada, Argentina, and Chile.