Rural development and landscape transformations: Case study, Tulahuencito basin. Region of Coquimbo, Chile

A geographical study related to rural development and transformation of the landscape of Tulahuencito Basin, located in the town of Monte Patria, Coquimbo Region, Chile is presented. The overall objective of the research is to know and analyze agricultural and livestock activities that have altered the natural environment unit of study. The materials used were leaves sampling, camera, recorder and literature. The methods used were field work, mapping data analysis and interviews. Results in a degradation of the natural space Tulahuencito product of economic activities, such as planting grain, grazing cattle, horses and goats, activities initiated by the development of raw materials export model is observed (1830-1930), continuing with the import substitution model (1930-1975) and finally the free market model (1975-present). To conclude there is degradation in the product area of agriculture, which has made clear the land bare soil, affecting the conservation of biodiversity