Cristina Quintas-Soriano
(1) Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain. (2) FRACTAL Collective.
Juan Miguel Requena-Mullor
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
María D. López-Rodríguez
Department of Geography, History and Humanities, CEMyRI, University of Almería, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain
Enrica Garau
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Carmen López-Zayas
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Ana Isabel Latorre-Andrés
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Caterina Recalde
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Irene Otamendi-Urroz
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Daniela Alba-Patiño
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Youssrra El Ghafraoui
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Antonio J. Castro
Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for Global Change - Hermelindo Castro (ENGLOBA), University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Abstract
Rural depopulation is one of the most critical socio-ecological problems in Spain and the Mediterranean region, as it jeopardizes the future prosperity and resilience of municipalities. Rural areas are the result of a historical co-evolution between human societies and their natural environment, giving rise to landscapes with high levels of biocultural diversity. However, rural depopulation threatens both biodiversity and deeply rooted cultural values. Despite its importance, this phenomenon has received little attention from a comprehensive socio-ecological perspective that considers the views of the affected local communities. This contribution presents research findings focused on southern Spain. Through the development of socio-cultural methodologies, we evaluate perceptions and values associated with three case studies representing rural and cultural landscapes. The results show how local populations clearly identify the essential role these systems play in preserving biocultural diversity. In particular, the values associated with relationships and the dynamic, community-based activities generate highly relevant components of human well-being. This study calls for strengthening actions that promote the maintenance of cultural links that are key to the conservation of these highly valued environments.
