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Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (Biscay, Spain): Conservation against development?
Nekane Castillo-Eguskitza1, Alejandro J Rescia2, Miren Onaindia1
1Plant Biology and Ecology Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Biscay, Spain.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 21, 2017
Summary
Protected areas, like Biosphere Reserves, safeguard conservation and enhance local quality of life without negative socioeconomic impacts. These reserves support rural systems and native forests, contributing to sustainability goals.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Socioeconomics
Background:
- Protected areas aim to conserve biodiversity and improve human well-being.
- The link between conservation efforts and socioeconomic/cultural development remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evolution of land use, socioeconomic, and cultural variables in areas inside and outside a Biosphere Reserve.
- To assess the impact of the Biosphere Reserve's Governance Plan on conservation and local development.
Main Methods:
- Multivariate ordination analysis combining land use, socioeconomic, and cultural data.
- Comparative analysis of an area within a Biosphere Reserve and a comparable area outside it.
- Evaluation of changes since the approval of the Reserve's Governance Plan.
Main Results:
- Both areas show a shift from traditional rural activities and pine plantations towards naturalness, urban sprawl, and growth in the tertiary sector and welfare indicators.
- The area within the Biosphere Reserve exhibits superior conservation features (native forest) and stronger rural systems (forestry, primary sector).
- Socioeconomic and cultural conditions are comparable between the inside and outside areas.
Conclusions:
- Biosphere Reserve designation protects conservation while supporting, rather than hindering, socioeconomic and cultural development.
- The protected area designation fulfills sustainability goals and improves local quality of life.
- Recommendations include diversifying from conifer plantations and promoting agricultural activities.
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