2004-2010 Andalusian Environment Plan

47 Pages·2005·1.14 MB·English

2004-2010 Andalusian Environment Plan

Figure 27. Distribution of the Protected Areas in Andalusia. Source: Summary of basic data on Andalusia.
2004-2010 Andalusian Environment Plan

The natural environment in Andalusia is characterized by its high diversity and wealth. The large number of
endemic vegetation species in our region attests this point: 484 species are exclusive to Andalusia, and 466
species are Iberian or Betico-Mauritanian endemism. It should be noted that the Autonomous Community of
Andalusia hosts 72% of habitat types, and 56% of the species from the Spanish Mediterranean biogeographic
region of Community interest.

The protection of the Andalusian natural reserves is articulated through legal instruments at three levels:
international, stemming from international conventions and agreements; European, through the implementation
of Community Directives on protection; and regional, which develop and complement the legal figures applied at
the national level.

The most important figures of protection stemming from the international conventions and agreements that exist
in Andalusia are the Ramsar Wetlands, the Biosphere Reserve and the Specially Protected Areas of
Importance for the Mediterranean (SPAMI).

At the European level, the implementation of the future Natura 2000 Network, through the development of the
Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPA) and Special Conservation Areas (SCA), will ensure the protection of
the ecosystems and values of special importance that exist in the European continent.

The three levels of protection (international, European and regional) are not exclusive and, very often, privileged
natural areas such as the Cabo de Gata are considered a ZETA (EU), a Ramsar Convention wetland and a
Biosphere Reserve (international), in addition to being a National Park protected by the Regional Government of
Andalusia.

The regional Administration uses both the existing figures of protection approved by the national legislation
(National Parks, Natural Parks, Natural Reserves, Protected Landscape, and Natural Monuments), and the new
figures such as Natural Sites, Periurban Parks, and Privately-Owned Natural Reserves. These figures provide a
more functional response for the protection and valuation of certain Andalusian natural resources.

NATIONAL PARKS

A National Park is characterized for being highly representative of the natural system to which it belongs; it is
sufficiently large and continuous to allow the natural systems to evolve; it ensures the appropriate development of
the ecological processes; it is highly natural and hardly any inhabited urban settlements are located within the
park, except for duly justified exceptional cases; and the territory surrounding the park can be declared a
peripheral buffer zone that would afford protection.

It is jointly managed by the Central Government and the Government of the Autonomous Community through the
so-called Joint Management Committee. Each park has a Board of Trustees, the public participation body, in
which the local citizens’ interests are represented.

Andalusia has two National Parks, the Doñana National Park, protected since 1969, and the Sierra Nevada
National Park, designated in 1999.
2004-2010 Andalusian Environment Plan

These two National Parks, located in Andalusia, have different ecological characteristics and environmental
values. The Sierra Nevada National Park, located astride the provinces of Granada and Almeria, with a total
area of 86,208 ha, aims to conserve the high mountain, valley and lagoon systems, as well as the different types
of vegetation found at various heights. Sierra Nevada, designated Biosphere Reserve by the MaB (Man and
Biosphere) Programme, is the area with the highest elevation in the Iberian Peninsula, and a botanic enclave of
great value, with the largest number of vegetation endemism in the peninsula. With regard to planning, it does not
have a PORN; however, a PRUG is currently in preparation.

The Doñana National Park, straddling the provinces of Huelva and Seville, has an area of 50,720 ha. It is an
enclave of extraordinary value for migratory avifauna, given that many species use this area during their annual
migrations. The humid marshes, the shifting dunes systems associated with lagoons and impoundments, and the
extensive Mediterranean scrublands deserve special mention. The plentiful and diverse fauna, including several
emblematic species, such as the Iberian lynx, and the high diversity of coastal ecosystems make Doñana a
unique and extraordinary enclave in Europe. Its current planning framework is a PRUG (R.D. 1772/1991, of 16
December).

Moreover, Doñana National Park has also been designated as Biosphere Reserve, SPA, Ramsar, World Heritage
Site and European Diploma, and has been included in the Natura 2000 Network proposal (SCI).

NATURAL PARKS

Natural parks are the main figure of protection in use, comprising 86.9% of the protected areas in our
Autonomous Community. The natural parks allow the development of productive activities, although precautionary
measures are put in place to prevent any detrimental effects on the environment and to ensure the conservation
of the natural resources.

They are usually extensive natural areas with barely modified natural and cultural values, in which the relationship
between humans and nature has been relatively well balanced. The development of the natural resources and the
conservation of the natural systems have been brought into line, fostering the sustainable development of the
populations.

Figure 28. Surface area of the Natural Parks in Andalusia (2002).

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Therefore, not only the natural or cultural values contained in the park must be properly protected, but efforts
must also be made to achieve the sustainable development of the populations thereof, with a view to ensuring the
conservation of its ecological values, and fostering the development of these communities, in many cases
depressed. Hence, it pursues the socioeconomic development of its sphere of interest and influence.

A Natural Park calls for a well-balanced management style, with a view to meeting the demands of the local
communities without modifying the natural values. For this reason, in addition to the management and planning
instruments available, (Natural Resources Management Plan and Utilization and Management Master Plan), the
implementation of the so-called Sustainable Development Plans (PDS9) must also be fostered.

Natural Parks have a high ecological potential that, in general, contrasts with the slow-moving and relatively
underdeveloped socioeconomic structures, albeit with an extraordinary potential.

The network of natural parks is the result of an integrating, comprehensive strategy, conducive to the protection of
key Andalusian environmental units, which seeks to encourage sustainable development. One of its primordial
functions is to contribute to the citizen’s enjoyment of nature. Therefore, public use, which requires the
construction of specific infrastructures and facilities, is one of the most developed management areas. Special
attention has also been paid to educational and scientific uses, and cultural and recreational initiatives are being
encouraged.

The in situ protection articulated through the natural parks guides the network towards territories with notable
ecosystems with an appropriate degree of functionality and conservation. This is a network of areas
representative of coastal ecosystems, arid and semi-arid ecosystems, which are exceptional in Europe, and
mountain ecosystems.

The protected areas are usually noticeable for their extraordinary scenic value of the landscape, shaped by the
continuous and sustainable interaction of humans with the territory over the centuries; the wealth of its fauna,
strongholds for extremely important and threatened species such as the Iberian lynx, the imperial eagle and the
wolf; the wealth of its flora, with a large number of endemism; its geological values, with volcanic massifs,
coastal formations, limestone formations, karstic processes, variety of terrains, abysses and other rare geological
formations of great interest, and for its hunting values, home to some of the most important hunting grounds in
the country, particularly of big game.

The Sierras de Tejada, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, located in the provinces of Malaga and Granada, was
designated in 1999. The Estrecho Natural Park, located between the municipalities of Algeciras and Tarifa in the
province of Cadiz, was designated very recently (Decree 57/2003 of 4 March).

On the other hand, it should be noted that an Eco-Management Scheme (EMAS), certified under UNE-EN ISO
14001:96, is currently under development in seven Natural Parks in Andalusia (Cabo de Gata-Nijar, Los
Alcornocales, Montes de Malaga, Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas, Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche,
Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Cárdena y Montoro). The EMAS is a management instrument based on different

9 The Act of the Governing Council of 12 May 1998 related to the drawing up of the SDP of the Natural Parks of Alcornocales
and Sierra Magina, replaces the term “integrated” development plan with “sustainable” development plan.
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environmental criteria, providing for the dissemination of information on appropriate environmental management
and use to the citizens.

The scope of application of the UNE-EN ISO 14001:96 in the Andalusian natural parks includes the development
of projects and improvement works; conservation, protection and development of natural resources; and the
monitoring and control of activities and services implemented by the Regional Ministry of the Environment.

The second stage of the project shall be carried out during 2004, with a view to implementing and certifying the
24 Natural Parks that currently exist in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.

NATURAL RESERVES AND SITES

Andalusia currently has 31 natural reserves (3 of which are privately owned) with a total area of 15,000 ha, and
32 Natural Sites that amount to 5.5% of the protected area.

The Natural Reserves are small enclaves (usually smaller that 100 ha) for in situ protection of ecosystems,
communities and biological elements of high environmental value, which are characterized by its rarity, fragility,
importance or uniqueness. These reserves are usually key areas for the feeding, breeding or resting of unique
species, normally avifauna, as well as amphibia and invertebrates.

Resource development is limited, unless it is compatible with the values that prompted its designation. The only
activity allowed in the reserve is scientific, provided it is regulated.

The Natural Sites are a type of protection afforded to larger, less anthropized areas, with a view to ensuring the
conservation of its flora, fauna, geomorphology, beauty and other elements with an outstanding environmental
value. Most of the Sites that exist in our Community were included in the inventory in 1989.

Traditional activities may be developed in the sites, provided it does not endanger the natural values that
prompted its protection. To this effect, scientific and educational activities are allowed, on condition that they are
consistent with purpose of protecting the area. The public use of these sites depends on the specific
characteristics of each site.

The designation of an enclave as a reserve or site shall depend on the existence of significant environmental
values, representative of Andalusia, which can be classified in six different typologies.

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Forestlands: forest enclaves in which the presence of certain tree or shrub (juniper) species, or the size or
morphology of the specimens, makes the enclave unique (los Reales de Sierra Bermeja).

Inland wetlands: seasonal or permanent lagoons or wetlands that usually correspond to endorreic basins,
such as Fuentedepiedra in northern Malaga. It includes interesting avifauna (flamenco) and peri lagoon
vegetation, such as African tamarix, kermes oaks or mastic trees. Presence of endemism and
infrequent varieties associated to high salinity (Laguna Amarga, Laguna del Conde).

Coastal wetlands: marshes and coastal systems, such as former salt flats (Albufera de Adra) and estuaries
with prevalence of gulls, such as “correlimos” (Marismas del Odiel), and tidal vegetation, such as
espartina and glasswort. There is usually a notable amount of invertebrates.

River complexes / reservoirs: it usually corresponds to artificial systems (reservoirs) in which interesting
siltation systems have developed (end of the reservoir of Bornos). The riparian and marsh vegetation,
with unique species like the “castañuela” or cattail, deserve special mention. Significant presence of
related aquatic fauna and avifauna (spoonbill, bald coot or coot). The area is used occasionally by birds
as a mating and resting area (Brazo del Este).

Landscape/geomorphological interest areas: corresponds to geomorphological landmarks or special
formations (Sorbas gypsum karsts) with a distinctive morphology (Torcal de Antequera), beauty
(Desfiladero de los Gaitanes) or traditional use (Peñas de Aroche).

Enclaves of faunal interest: areas of faunal value. It usually corresponds to locations that are essential for
the development of emblematic species, such as the Griffon vulture, that use the area for breeding and
feeding (Peñon de Zaframagón).

It should be noted that the figure of Privately-Owned Natural Reserve is a variation of the general Natural
Reserves scheme. The purpose of this figure is to afford appropriate protection through agreements with the
landowners of areas of ecological interest.

Since the onset of the previous AEP, the figure of Privately-Owned Natural Reserve has been included in the
scheme. Dehesa de Abajo, located in the province of Seville, meets all the ecological and environmental
requirements of special interest. The agreement was signed in 2000, with a view to protecting the special values
of the area, particularly, faunal. This reserve, together with the La Laguna de la Paja (Cadiz) and the Cañada de
los Pájaros (Seville) are the three Privately-Owned Natural Reserves located in Andalusia.

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PERIURBAN PARKS

The figure of Periurban Park was created in 1989, and the first park was designated in 1990. This is an
extraordinarily important figure of protection for ensuring the sustainability of the urban environment, as it
complements and enriches the traditional role of parks and green zones within the cities.

Figure 29. Distribution of Periurban Parks in Andalusia by Provinces (2000).

Periurban parks are usually areas with a high degree of human intervention, located close to an urban
agglomeration, as its main purpose is recreational. The natural resources are developed, with prior approval, if
the project is compatible with the recreational functions and the protection scheme.

In recent years, this figure of protection has received a definite boost, having increased the number of parks
distributed throughout the Andalusia from 3 in 1997 to 19 in 2003. The protection scheme seeks to ensure that
public use will not degrade its natural characteristics. Considering the territorial distribution of the parks, Cordova
is the province with the greater number of parks, and Jaen is the province with the least area protected under this
figure.

Two new parks were designated in 1998 in the province of Seville: El Gergal with an area of 31 hectares, and La
Corchuela with 85 ha. Six new Periurban Park were added in 1999: Hacienda Porzuna (Seville), La Barrosa
(Cadiz), El Saltillo y Lomero Llano and La Norieta (Huelva), Los Cabezos (Cordova) and Sierra de Gracia
(Malaga). Lastly, five more Parks were designated in 2000: Fuente Agria, Fuente la Zarza and La Sierrezuela
(Cordoba), Dehesa del Mercadillo (Malaga) and Castala (Almeria).

Recently, in 2003, two more Periurban Parks were designated, namely, Pinar del Hacho in Antequera (Malaga)
and Dehesa de Santa Fe (Granada).

NATURAL MONUMENTS

The figure of Natural Monuments, in use since 2001, is aimed at the conservation of unique enclaves and
elements, based on a more comprehensive perspective involving both natural and cultural values.
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The Natural Monuments aim to protect very concrete locations of limited extension, and to bring these elements
closer to society through public recognition. The monuments are classified according to their geological, biotic,
geographical or ecocultural values, or a combination thereof (when more than one typology is present). The
capacity for public uses and environmental education activities is prioritized over other uses and activities.

There are currently 35 Natural Monuments, with a total area of 1,014.73 ha. The geological monuments are of
special interest, in that they seek to protect those elements and characteristics associated with the earth. The
geological monuments of Peña de Castril and Falla de Nigüelas in Granada, and the Órganos de
Despeñaperros in Jaen, amongst others, deserve special mention. The geographical Natural Monuments include
pre-eminent locations of historical and geographical value, or geographical landmarks of the Andalusian
Autonomous Community, of which the Peñones de San Cristóbal (Granada) is noteworthy.

Figure 30. Number of Natural Monuments in Andalusia.

Some of the natural monuments whose existence is closely related to the fauna they host are the Isla de
Terreros and Isla Negra (Almeria), home to marine birds whose population in the Mediterranean is in regression,
and the Sotos de la Albolafia in Cordova, for its extraordinary avifauna population including cattle egret, night
heron, bald coot and glossy ibis.

The Peña de Castril, home to the remains of an Moorish castle, has been designated an ecocultural Natural
Monument, with a view to conserving enclaves of special importance in the relationship between humans and the
environment.

PROTECTED LANDSCAPE

Andalusia has only one protected landscape, the Guadiamar Green Corridor. Its designation as a protected area
was approved in the Decree 112/2003 of 22 April. This was the first time that this figure of protection was used in
Andalusia.

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Its designation as a protected landscape represents, to a certain extent, the high point of the restoration works
undertaken. Once the environmental catastrophe of the Aznalcollar mine accident had been overcome, the
designation as a protected area was the result of the logical and necessary process, arising from the need to
tackle the ecological disaster, to regulate and foster the integration of this unique project within the administrative
and management framework of the Andalusian Protected Natural Reserves Network. The area covered by the
Protected Landscape amounts to 2,706.8 ha, albeit the area of Entremuros has been excluded as it is a part of
the Doñana Natural Park.

PROTECTED AREAS STEMMING FROM THE EUROPEAN LEGISLATION

One of the most ambitious, ongoing projects in favour of nature conservation is the network of areas
representative of the European natural heritage: the Natura 2000 network. This network consists of Special
Conservation Areas (SCA) and Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPA), with the latter in operation since the
Birds Directive came into force.

Andalusia has already submitted its proposal for this network, which includes 193 areas with a total surface area
of 2,587,667 ha, of which 2,503,205 ha correspond to the terrestrial SCI proposal, that is, 28.6% of Andalusia.
The magnitude of the proposal is noteworthy when compared to the national list. Andalusia’s contribution amounts
to 22.3% of all the proposed areas, as well as 29.4% of the total SCI area in Spain.

Of the 193 areas included in the Andalusian SCI proposal, 71 (37%) correspond to one or more areas of the
RENPA. These areas represent 65% of the proposed land surface (1,607,409 ha). Moreover, 40% of this network
is already a part of the Natura Network, as it has been designated as a SPA. Therefore, 122 (63%) proposed
areas are not included in the existing Network of Protected Areas. In terms of surface area, 906,146 ha of the SCI
proposal are not included in the RENPA (35%). Only 1.3% of RENPA surface is not included in the SCI proposal,
made up of 42 areas (total o partially), with an overall surface area of 21,903.82 ha.

The 62 areas designated as Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPA) cover 1,600,000 ha of the Andalusian
protected areas. In terms of protected surface area against total surface area, Andalusia is comparatively ahead
of Spain and the EU in SCI and SPA.

AREAS STEMMING FROM INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND AGREEMENTS

The biosphere reserves are areas included in the UNESCO MaB (Man and Biosphere) programme, in which the
conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources, through a global network of reserves, are reconciled.
Eight of the fifteen Biosphere Reserves in Spain are located in Andalusia, representing 1,090,079 protected
hectares.

Moreover, the creation of a Cross-Border Biosphere Reserve is under consideration: the Betica-Rif Biosphere
Reserve to be developed under the Community Initiative Interreg III Programme. The purpose of this project is to
encourage the conservation and sustainable use of resources by the local communities. This interest is based on
the opportunity for bringing closer two territories that, in spite of their physical distance, share certain aspects of
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their natural and cultural heritage.

Three of the seven Specially Protected Areas of Importance for the Mediterranean (SPAMI) in Spain, a figure
stemming from the Barcelona Convention, are located in Andalusia. These areas are the Island of Alboran, the
seabeds of eastern Almeria and Cabo de Gata-Níjar. The SPAMI seeks to foster the sustainable development of
areas with a high ecological value.

Figure 31. Percentage of SPA, SCI, Biosphere Reserve and RAMSAR areas versus total
surface area (2000)

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