Wander amongst ancient old trees and ancestral traditions in the Natural Park Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche

With over 1000 km of footpaths, the Natural Park Park Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche has converted into one of the main hiking destinations in the south of Spain. This protected area is characterized by its extensive woodland, high rainfall, a Mediterranean climate, and a network of footpaths connecting the 28 villages of the territory.

Numerous footpaths cross the majestic “dehesas”, the native holm and cork woodland pastures so predominant in this area, providing a magnificent setting to walk amongst the regions’ star, the pure-bred Iberian pig. The Jamón Iberico de Bellota, the delicious high-quality product is produced here and is protected under the Denomination of Protected Origin Jabugo.

In Spring, the “dehesa” is an explosion of colour, with the many native species that can be found in the natural park. Orchids, grasses, medicinal plants and those frequently used in the local gastronomy intermingle between ancient holm and cork oaks and century old chestnut trees which are also beginning to blossom. Spring is also a time for mushrooms, the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche is one of the best mushroom areas in Spain with over 600 species to be found in the 186,827 hectares of protected park

In summer walkers can be surprised to see ancestral traditions in this territory, that has been inhabited since the Neolithic times, continue such as  cork being harvested by expert teams of extractors where this valuable commodity is removed from the cork oak (quercus suber) by hand and carried to a more accessible area by mules or the plentiful allotments that provide fruit and vegetables to be preserved for the winter months.

The fauna and flora of this natural park, together with the traditional recipes from the local mountain cuisine offer a varied and tasty gastronomy, a delight for any for hiker. Bars and restaurants abound in the villages where you can sample the most delicious delicacies.

In times gone by communication between the villages was on foot or by mule along trails that linked all the villages together. These trails have now become the network of footpaths we use today for pleasure as we continue to walk between the villages avoiding the asphalt and trace our ancestors footprints throughout the whole of this area, located in the north west corner of Andalucia.

Trails through centuries-old trees, traditions and customs handed down through the generations, white villages scattered between the mountains are all part of this special area waiting to be discovered by the walker as he hikes around over the 1,000 kilometers of trails in the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park.

More information

• Tél.:  +34 959 126 129
• E-mail: sierra@foe.es
• Web: www.parquenaturalsierradearacena.com

Where Sierra Nevada dives into the desert: The little Grand Canyon, the Rambla de los Yesos

If we hear or read about the Sierra Nevada National Park, we always tend to think of the high Mediterranean mountains and the Mulhacén reigning over the sea. However, Sierra Nevada hides several secrets to be discovered, such as the Rambla de los Yesos, located at its most eastern point.

This geology gift was formed about 6 or 7 million years ago, at first as sea arm. It would end up drying up approximately one million years later, forming the desert canyon we can see today. The visit is recommended for professionals and amateurs: geologists can go in to search some hidden fossils; the hiker, photographer or observer will be lucky enough to enjoy the wonderful red walls on both sides of the canyon, formed by erosion and that come to create such spectacular shapes as the “Chimney of the Fairies”, which to many will remind them of the famous and tourist Cappadocia of Turkey.

Although we are really in the only desert in Europe and at first the canyon seems dry, the subway water makes many rare species blooms amazingly in such an arid area. In the green cliffs we can find capers, thyme and rosemary, besides being able to observe different types of birds like Black Wheatear, some Blue Rock Thrushes, Little Owls or the flight of a Hobby. Perhaps, with a bit of luck we can hear the unique Trumpeter Finch.

The trail through the Rambla de los Yesos is 13 kilometers long, all in circular direction; therefore, start and finish are at the same point. The first part of it, which runs through a canyon, is relatively flat, making it suitable for less experienced hikers. While the second part, where you must face a 400-meter climb and descent, is more suitable for slightly more prepared hikers. After the drop, the path begins to narrow gradually and the large red walls get closer and closer, until at one point the canyon reopens and the hiker can see it from above.

From the top of the Cordel de la Solana, which gives its name to the trail, we can enjoy the extraordinary panoramic view of the Andarax Valley and the Sierra de Gádor and its characteristic white villages on its slopes. In the east we find Sierra Alhamilla, the bay of Almeria and in the background, you can even see the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata. In addition, for those who own a bird’s eye view, you can even see the Cumbre de Montenegro and the National Park area.

At the end of the trail we return to the beautiful village of Alboloduy, the remains of its Arab fortress and the valley of the Nacimiento river. Along the way it is common to find pilgrims, as the Mozarabic side of the Camino de Santiago passes through there in the direction of Santiago de Compostela.

Further information

www.ecoturismosierranevada.com/en/

Within the Erasmus+ project ‘Sustainable Tourism: Training for Tomorrow’ the consortium consisting of 6 partners, has identified the key training needs of professionals working on sustainable tourism in protected areas (PAs). To this end, a literature review, mapping of relevant competences, and European-wide survey among PA stakeholders was carried out.

Some of the key results include a top 3 of knowledge and skill areas that were rated as most important, a top 3 of knowledge and skills for which respondents lack most knowledge and the overall training gap they are experiencing.

The 3 most important knowledge and skills areas are:

1. “knowledge on how to develop a communication strategy”
2. “tools to reduce environmental impact from organisational activity”
3. “knowledge of how to develop, design and/or use attractive and engaging communication tools”

The 3 knowledge and skills areas for which respondents lack most knowledge are:

1. “methods to influence and encourage support for conservation funding by visitors and businesses”
2. “knowledge of national and international initiatives, networks and specialist groups that support professionals developing sustainable tourism and recreation in and around PAs”
3. “best practices on partnerships / formal agreements that can support economically local tourism businesses, and related products and services”

The overall training gap analysis, taking into account both the respondents’ level of importance (i.e. relatively important) and level of knowledge (i.e. relatively little knowledge about), results in the following 3 main skills that need to be focussed on in the near future:

• “tools for monitoring tourism impacts on the environment, economy and communities”
• “methods to define and measure sustainable tourism indicators”
• “knowledge of national and international initiatives, networks and specialist groups that support professionals developing sustainable tourism and recreation in and around protected areas”.

For some (large enough) groups of respondents, a further detailed analysis could be conducted by country (France, Italy and Spain), and by profiles of respondents working in a specific type of organisation (protected area management, business and the public sector).

• Read the report summary: download
• Read the full analysis report: download

Erasmus+ project ‘Sustainable Tourism: Training for Tomorrow’

The ultimate project goal is to develop a free, online learning platform with sustainable tourism material for Protected Area stakeholders is developed addressing these needs. This platform will be launched soon.

This project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. It aims to increase the quality, supply and accessibility of training in sustainable tourism for Protected Area stakeholders across Europe. The consortium members are: Hasselt University (Belgium); University of Hull (United Kingdom); EUROPARC Federation (Germany), the network of ecotourism professionals (AEE) in Spain, Ente Parchi Emilia Occidentale (Italy) and Montagne de Reims Nature Regional Park (France).

Project website: here

SOBRARBE-PIRINEOS UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

1. GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

Sobrarbe-Pirineos UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the north of Spain, within the Pyrenean mountain range. Administratively, it is included in Aragón region and Huesca province, matching 100% with Sobrarbe County.

The total surface of the Geopark is 2200 km². 7.150 inhabitants live in this territory, mainly dedicated to tourism, agriculture and cattle industry.

Here we can find alpine meadows and thick forests in the high valleys where the water is always present forming waterfalls and gorges, such as the ones in Ordesa, Pineta, Bujaruelo or Chistau Valley; huge peaks such as Monte Perdido and Posets, where the last glaciers still survive declared Natural Monuments; and Añisclo Valley and Escuaín Valley, shaped by the waters of the rivers Bellos and Yaga. In its descend, along its rivers Ara and Cinca, the landscape will become more Mediterranean as it happens in Fueva Valley, in the scarps of Peña Montañesa or the Biello Sobrarbe, the entrance to the pre-pyrenean mountain ranges of Sierra de Guara and its Canyons where the visitor will enjoy the spectacular canyons, “mallos”, quarry and caves formed as a result of the fluvial erosion.

Due to all of this diversity of ecosystems and geological forms, the area was declared Global Geopark of UNESCO with three of its places included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO (Pirineos-Monte Perdido, Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin and Summer Solstice Fire Festivals in the Pyrenees). Moreover, there are many other types of protected areas inside the Geopark such as most of the Ordesa Viñamala Biosphere Reserve, Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, Cañones and Sierra de Guara Natural Park as well as Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

2. GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE

In the rocks of Sobrarbe, the last 550 million years of Earth history are represented. Two orogenies, metamorphic and magmatic processes, deep sea sedimentary rocks, calcareous shallow platforms, continental conglomerates and a wide range of geomorphological features (glaciers, karst, mountain rivers…) are easily visible in the geopark.

A total of 106 geosites are part of the geological heritage inventory, made from geological criteria and methodology. About a 25% of them are of international interest.

The geology of Sobrarbe is plenty of sites essentials to understand the birth of the Pyrenean mountain range from a sedimentological and tectonical point of view. It also contains impressive morphologies and active processes to understand the making of the landscape and the evolution of the climate in a sensitive area midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

3. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Apart from the outstanding geology, Sobrarbe also houses rich ecosystems that represent both the Alpine and Mediterranean environments. High mountain flora and fauna communities are found in the north of the Geopark, while medium mountain ones occupy the southern part. Many endangered species, like the bearded vulture, find shelter in the mountains of Sobrarbe.

A good indicator of the natural values of Sobrarbe is the presence of Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. This area holds also the European Award for protected areas, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for natural and cultural ( Pirineos-Monte Perdido) reasons and it is also the core area of Ordesa-Viñamala Biosphere Reserve, belonging to the Man and Biosphere UNESCO program. Thus, Sobrarbe has in its territory the three UNESCO designations: Geopark, World Heritage (natural and cultural) and Biosphere Reserve, pointing out the high importance of this part of the Spanish Pyrenees.

Besides that, two natural parks (Posets-Maladeta and Sierra y Cañones de Guara) and the Natural Monument of the Pyrenean Glaciers are present in Sobrarbe.

4. CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

Human presence in Sobrarbe is registered since prehistoric times. Many caves have paintings catalogued as World Heritage cultural Site by UNESCO. Other prehistoric constructions like dolmens are found all over the territory. In more recent times, Sobrarbe has a great heritage belonging to the Medieval Time, related to the high number of Romanesque churches, castles and towers spread along the area.

Many traditions and a rich intangible heritage are saved and alive in Sobrarbe. Traditional musical instruments, dances and customs, activities related to the sustainable use of environmental resources and popular celebrations like the carnival can be enjoyed by the local communities and the visitors.

5. GEOPARK AND PEOPLE

The geopark tries to be present in the current life of Sobrarbe inhabitants and visitors in many ways, attending all the activities that a UNESCO Global Geopark must fulfil.

Concerning dissemination of geology among the general public, a network of 30 geo-trails. 13 mountain bike geo-routes and an itinerary to discover the Geopark by car are ready to use with many panels and brochures explaining the best of our geology to everybody, despite the initial knowledge of geology they have.

Collaboration with local enterprises and food producers is a very important issue for the geopark. We have a program of “Partner enterprises” that distinguish all the hotels, restaurants, museums… that share the same aims of the Geopark and communicate them to their customers. A quality label for local food producers has also been developed by the Geopark, as well. The promotion of all these quality products and the use of them in the local restaurants is a key action for us.

More info: http://geoparquepirineos.com/index.php?idi=3