Sustainable Planning of the Rural Landscapes in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula: Best Practices and Management Conservation

Abstract

AbstractThe conservation of rural landscapes and traditional forest practices are key aspects to achieve sustainable rural development. The dynamics of the landscape is the result of anthropological action over several centuries ago. We have studied the development and the environmental, socioeconomic, and historical changes have taken place. Our aim is to propose a set of actions of landscape planning for the conservation and recovery of the traditional uses, i.e., for to encourage sustainable management of the cultural landscapes. Little attention has been given to the resilience of these areas. Therefore, we have considered it essential to analyse the transformation of these landscapes in the mountains of eastern Galicia, considered as a (complex) socio-ecological system. The study focused on the evolution of native forests, intensively exploited since prehistoric times. These ecosystems were converted into agricultural land, exploited for the naval, metallurgical and railway industries, joined the Church’s properties, suffered forest fires, and were replaced by fast-growing species, mainly coniferous and now Eucalyptus nitens Shining Gum. All these activities have led to a decrease in the area occupied by them. Now, native forests cover small and usually sloping sites, remaining where soil properties often avoid other land-use. There is an altered landscape by a slow change and the biodiversity conservation, hunting and environmental tourism have great value. From a positive view, the area covered by these forests has increased and there is a greater perception on their conservation given the recognition as habitats of European interest ‒Natura 2000 Network.KeywordsLand-useSustainabilityCultural landscapeBiodiversityNative forests