Determination of environmental quality 74 28

Case study: Cienfuegos municipality

Abstract

This study investigated environmental quality in the municipality of Cienfuegos, Cuba, applying environmental indicators as a measurement tool. Recognizing the evolution of the concept of development, from approaches focused on economic growth (Rostow, 1960) to the current vision of sustainable development that integrates environmental and social dimensions (WCED, 1987), the research aimed to determine the environmental quality of the municipality by analyzing key factors such as pollution, waste management, and water quality. The application of environmental indicators, defined as tools that assessed the state of the environment and its relationship with human activities (OECD, 2003), allowed for an objective evaluation of the environmental status of Cienfuegos. Priority problems were identified, and valuable information was provided for decision-making and local environmental management (UNDP, 1990). The study was based on a literature review on sustainable development (Sen, 1999), the selection of relevant indicators adapted to the local context (González et al., 2018), and the design of a specific methodological procedure. The research results enabled the characterization of the environmental quality of Cienfuegos, identifying critical areas and proposing recommendations to improve environmental management and promote more sustainable and equitable development in the territory (ONEMI Cuba, 2015), guaranteeing the well-being of the population and the protection of natural resources for future generations.