Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry June 2018

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 Executive summary This Conservation Management Plan has been developed by Alvelal Association for the VCA Registry.

This plan is integrated by an initial diagnosis, which describes the Alvelal territory located in the southeast of , its , soils, , vegetation and fauna, as well as the landscape and land uses throughout history. A second part describes the action plan, with the conservation objectives, the actions to develop those objectives and the indicators we use to measure the success of the plan.

The actions explained in this section explain in detail what we intend to do to restore out landscape. In addition to reforestation of natural areas by planting endemic , we aim to clear /thin out the current vast forests of invasive species, and to increase organic matter in the soil to enhance soil fertility and to increase water retention, both positively impacting biodiversity. Through hydrological corrections we aim to retain water and to create biodiversity hotspots for vegetation, insects, birds and all species to thrive. We will place insect hotels to allow for habitats of different insects in the current monoculture of pines, allowing for pollination of both natural vegetation and productive crops.

Huéscar, Granada, Spain, 15th June 2018

Agricultural landscape of the fertile plain of Cullar, Granada

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 Table of Contents Executive summary ...... 2 1 Description of the area ...... 4 1.1 Location and size ...... 4 Geology and relief ...... 4 Soil ...... 7 Water ...... 9 1.2 Land use ...... 11 History ...... 11 Land use ...... 13 1.3 Owner/manager ...... 14 2 Conservation situation ...... 16 2.1 Landscapes/ecosystems/habitats ...... 16 Landscape ...... 16 Potential Vegetation ...... 17 2.2 Wildlife ...... 20 Fauna ...... 20 Protected areas ...... 21 2.3 Threats ...... 23 Endangered and vulnerable species ...... 24 2.4 Opportunities ...... 29 3 Conservation management ...... 31 3.1 Our vision ...... 31 3.2 Strategic objectives ...... 32 3.3 Conservation actions ...... 32 3.3.1 Natural Zones ...... 32 3.3.2 Farms ...... 35 3.4 Conservation indicators ...... 37 3.5 Coordination and execution ...... 37 Appendix I. Implementing legislation ...... 42 Appendix II. Literature ...... 43 Appendix III. Natural Zone Restorarion Plan ...... 43 Appendix IV. SWAT

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 1 Description of the area

1.1 Location and size

AlVelAl is located in Southern Spain, roughly in between the cities of Granada and . The AlVelAl- territory covers parts of the autonomous communities of and Murcia, which each have several provinces and comarcas -the local denomination for districts. The name AlVelAl relates to the first letters of the comarcas where the initiative started: Altiplano de Granada, Los Vélez and Alto . More recently the comarcas of and Noroeste de Murcia were added to the landscape. Today, the AlVelAl territory covers more than 1,000,000 hectares of degraded steppe called the Altiplano Estepario.

The Altiplano Estepario is surrounded by mountain ranges which form part of the natural parks of Sierra de Castril, and the Sierra María-Los Vélez.

The towns of Guadix, Baza, Cullar, Huéscar, Caravaca and Vélez Rubio are the largest out of 76 municipalities with in total some 250,000 inhabitants. The highway A-92, running from Puerto Lumbreras to Granada and onwards runs through the middle of the territory.

Geology and relief

Sixty-two million years ago the of and India moved nort h and collided with during the so-called . As the crusts of the continents of and Africa moved closer to one another, mountain ranges such as the Alps and those in the Mediterranean were formed by the folding and deformation of undersea material. During this period also the was formed, located in the south and east of the .

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Within the Baetic System a subdivision can be made between the Prebaetic, the Subbaetic and the Penibaetic systems.

Geology in Alvelal territory

The Prebaetic and the Subbaetic systems consist of materials that come from sediment located in a large geosyncline, almost the size of an entire , which formed an enormous sea basin before the Alpine Orogeny. This led to the creation of clay and sand deposits. Some 200 million years ago the water underwent severe evaporation, which caused lagoons to form and the consequent depositing of materials resulting from the evaporation. Still a large part of the basin was covered by the sea. Materials such as dolomites and marl developed. Some 100 million years ago a great marine irruption occurred, forming a number of coral reefs and generating a shallow marine environment. As the water receded, deposits of limestone and dolomites were left behind. Around the time of the Alpine Orogeny, the seawater withdrew. Once again leaving lagoons formed by the water accumulated during the preceding period. Followed by another marine irruption, also leading to geological instability which continues till today in both the Prebaetic and Subbaetic system.

So the Prebaetic and the Subbaetic systems have sedimentary deposits and consist of sedimentary rocks mainly limestones (calizas) and margocalizas (calizas argillosas). The Prebaetic system consists of a broken system of mountain ranges, rather than a continuous alignment as the other two subsystems.

The highest point is formed by La Sagra with a height of 2,382m high. The Subbaetic system runs across Andalusia reaching into Murcia. The highest peaks reach heights between 1,500m and well over 2,000m.

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La Sagra, Puebla de Don Fadrique, Granada, the highest point of the territory, 2,382 meters hight

Relief in Altiplano Granadino

The Penibaetic system includes the highest point of the Iberian peninsula with the Mulhacén (3 478m) in the Sierra Nevada Its main characteristic is the absence of sedimentary deposit. The

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 mountain ranges consist of two basic types of metamorphic rocks: siliceous (especially schist, quartzite and phyllite) and carbonated (dolomite and marble) rocks.

Generally the Beatic mountain ranges are aligned in a southwest-northeast direction, implying the Atlantic influence is greater than the Mediterranean. Between the Beatic mountainous alignments a series of depressions can be found, including those of Guadix, Baza and Húescar which are part of the Altiplano. The depressions increase in altitude and amplitude towards the east; in the Altiplano these depressions are real plateaus at 1,000m above sea level, exceeding 30km in width and are interconnected. The Altiplano Estepario has a relatively smooth relief with the slope as its main component, resulting of many natural processes or accelerated by human activ ity. The slopes of the Baetic mountain range are steep, where the majority of the slopes of the Altiplano have a gradient of 3 to 15%. In the west side of Altiplano, around the depressions of Guadix and Baza, the slopes tend to have a higher gradient between 15 to 30%. The Altiplano lies between 600 and 1,300 m above sea level and is surrounded by the highest mountain peaks of Andalusia.

Soil

The soil in AlVelAl is a skeletal one, low on organic matter. Due to the presence of geological material it erodes easily. In the AlVelAl territory four soil types are dominant: the cambisol, the latosol, the fluvisol and the regosol soils

Soils in Alvelal territory

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 the cambisol soil is at the beginning of the soil formation and is characterized by the absence of a layer of accumulated clay, humus, soluble salts, or iron and aluminum oxides. Because of its favorable aggregate structure and high content of weatherable minerals the cambisol soil makes good agricultural land and is often intensively used.  the litosol soil is a group of shallow soils lacking well-defined horizons, consisting of partially weathered rock fragments, and usually prevails on steep slopes.  the regosol is also a young and undeveloped soil, that occurs primarily in mountainous, arid or rapidly eroding areas. Often development of the soil is prevented by inadequate temperature or moisture. These soils are typically used for livestock.  fluvisols are present in areas with frequent flooding, often in river vans and deltas. Therefore these soil can contain deposits from rivers and bodies of water. The quality of the soil is poor. Many dryland crops are grown on fluvisols, be it with some form of water control.

Further also xerosol, vertisol and luvisol soils can be found in AlVelAl. Xerosol soils are either fertile nor have potential for development: they are often located on the erosive ramp of the mountain skirt system. The vertisol is a soil in which there is a high content of expansive clay that forms deep cracks in drier seasons or years. Vertisol soils are generally used for grazing of cattle or sheep, since the shrinking and swelling of vertisols can damage buildings and roads.Luvisols have high amounts of clay in the subsoil and low amounts in the surface soil. The mixed mineralogy, high nutrient content, plus good drainage of these soils make them suitable for a wide range of agriculture, from grains to orchards to vineyards. Luvisols form on flat or gently sloping landscapes.

In general the soil balance in the Altiplano is fragile and the need to adapt to prolonged droughts, heavy sunstrokes and torrential rains is so demanding that, in case of abandonment of crops, the soil tends to fossilize, thereby often abounding the endemic flora and fauna.

Further limiting factors in the soil for agricultural capacity and forests are :

 a high risk for erosion, due to the slope, scarce vegetation cover and scarce, irregular and torrential precipitation  the low depth of the soil which prevents root development, limits soil fertility and the capacity to retain water  the presence of gypsum, a soft sulfite mineral, and salination which prevents cultivation and hinders natural development

In the Altiplano soil degradation and destruction exceed the rate of soil formation, where both climate change and human activity could accelerate the degradation process.

Although soil conditions determine the productive and biological potential of an area, in semi- arid areas such as the Altiplano, the lack of moisture is however the fundamental factor limiting plant growth: all soils with a certain type of development and a certain capacity to retain water, and a certain balance between these two, will make the most of the scarce rainfall.

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Water

Both the river and the river Segura have its source in the Sierras the Cazorla, Segura y Villas. The River Guadalquivir fills the Tranco reservoir before it flows in eastern direction, flowing through Andalusia into the Atlantic. The river Segura flows in the direction of Murcia, into the Mediterrean like most of the rivers in the AlVelAl territory do. The rivers in the Mediterrean basin, are in comparison with those in the Altantic basin, shorter, more seasonal and with a steeper slope on average. Resulting in less developed estuaria and less valleys being suitable for agriculture in the landscape. The river beds are dry most of the year, but can fill up rapidly after heavy rains in fall.

Also the river Guadaltin has its source in the Sierras the Cazorla, Segura y Villas. It fills up the reservoir La Bolera and a bit further south, joined by the rio Guardal, the reservoir of Negratin. The reservoirs are generally used for water supply to the cities, irrigation and hydropower generation.

Negratin reservoir, Baza, Granada

Surface water The territory of the Altiplano is divided into three river basin districts: Guadalquivir, Segura and Mediterranean basins. The Guadalquivir basin is the main one, covering more than ninety percent of the surface of the Altiplano. The Segura basin runs through the most eastern section of the ltiplano in Andalusia. The is characterized by a high number of short water courses that originate in the mountain systems near the coast.

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Hidrology in Alvelal territory

Most of the rivers in the Altiplano run through the Guadalquivir basin, such as the rivers of Guadalentin and Guardal. Both the river Fardes, originating in the Sierra Nevada, and the river Guadahortuna flow through the Guadalquivir basin joining the Negratin waterreservoir without passing the dam, where the rivers (Rio Guadalentin, Rio Castril, Rio Baza, and Rio Guardal) on the eastern side of the Negratin do pass the Negratin dam. These rivers from permanent channels, with water throughout the year. The Negratin embalsa is 2,170 hectares and has a volume of 567 Hm3. It is used for irrigation (336 Hm3), to generate electricity (10,000 kw) as well as leisure (fishing, water sports).

In the Mediterranean basins are the river Nacimiento (catching water from the Sierra Nevada) and the river Alcontar, which downstream is called the river Almanzora. In the Segura basin run the Caramel river (catching water from the Sierra de Oso) and the river Claro originating in the Sierra de María and later joined by the Chrivel river.

Ground water Underground waterbodies may be formed by aquifers, an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well. The main risk for groundwater is overexploitation and contamination by urban and agricultural waste.

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1.2 Land use

History

Prehistory The entire Guadix-Baza basin is extraordinarily rich in paleontological and archaeological sites. Especially in the triangle formed by the towns of Baza, Orce and Huéscar. The most important point is in Orce and its surroundings, where the highest fossil density in Europe occurs. It͛s also here, in Orce, where more than one million year ago the first humans settled in . Human beings lived as hunter-gatherer in the steppe, as part of a community with mammals such as elephants, rhinoceros, hippotamus, horse and deer. Probably some 400 years BC humans switched to agriculture, cultivating wheat, barley and bean. Later other varieties of wheat and vegetables such as peas, were cropped.

Argaric culture Argaric culture is characterized as one of the first urban societies in Western Europe, contributing to the development of areas such a ceramics, lithic and metal tools. It also brought social changes introducing aristocratic and military structures, and replacing collective burials by individual or family inhumation close to home. Due to mining and exploitation of forest the composition an structure of plant communities changed greatly. Turning forests into communities of shrub and thorns.

Argaric culture expanded mainly from Almeria to Jaén, and in the hoyas (depressions) of Guadix and Baza. An important example if the town of Galera with several archaeological sites amongst which El Castellon Alto.

Castellón Alto archaeological site , Galera, Granada.

Iberic culture The entire territory played a key role in the Iberian period controlling the different routes that

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 connected the Mediterranean coast with Alta Andalucía and the rich mining area around Cástulo (Linares, Jaén). Fortified towns (oppida) were established, such as Guadix, Baza, Galera, and Puebla de Don Fadrique each at 35 kilometers distance. The economic model evolved around agriculture, particularly cereal and livestock. Also game meat played an important role in the diet.

The Roman footprint in the Altiplano is less important than in other areas of Andalusia, probably because the area offered less agriculture opportunities. Trade however could have played an important role, whereby for example small settlements in the basins of Guadix and Baza served as connection between the viticulture production on the coast and the distribution centers in the Upper Guadalquivir area. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Islam sets foot and occupies the territory between 711 and 716. Al Andalus begins. Both Guadix and Baza were walled. With the change of religion and the massive arrival of new settlers there is a drastic change cultural perceptions as well as management of the territory. Water is extremely important in the Islam, because it is considered the origin of life and is attributed a purifying sense of man. Irrigated agriculture was introduced, taking water from the rivers and transporting them to the agricultural plots through water pipelines and small-scale regulation systems. With water, the agro-systems in the Altiplano became more complex and new crops like silk, almonds and fruits like lemon and grapefruit were cropped. In the 15th century the complex agronomicsystem was abandoned for security reasons and the land was used more extensively and notably for livestock.

Then the Catholic Kings came to Andalucia. After some decades of coexistence of the Catholic and Musim community, drastic changes occurred as the sixteenth century progressed: mountains (such as the Montes de Granada) were cleared for the cultivation of cereal, the silk market collapsed and successive migratory waves as the Muslim population was forced to convert to Christianism. There is a certain consensus that the old Christian was more familiar with an extensive and rainfed agriculture, complemented by livestock, while the Muslim had been more a gardener. Migration lead to abandonment of the irrigation system. Most of the mountains in the sixteenth century were covered with forests, be it of the non-wooded type. Part of the mountains were used for the production of esparto.

In the 18th century the modernization of agriculture begins in Europe, not in the Altiplano: dryland farming for cereal and some vegetables, and irrigated farming around Guadix and Baza were also hemp, linseed and corn are cultivated. West of the Altiplano most of the irrigated land is dedicated to olive trees, it is in this era olive trees are introduced in the Altiplano. Most of the territory remains uncultivated.

In the 19th century the class society is introduced. In Andalusia land owners are descendants of old aristocracy, and land confiscations of for example church property take place. The confiscated lands are brought into cultivation for cereal, some mountainous areas but mostly the valleys are brought into cultivation for olive trees. The increase of land brought into cultivation is short- lived by the lack of improvement of agricultural techniques.

In 1885 the railway from Granada to Murcia, through Baza, is developed. Followed in 1899 by the development of the railway from Almeria to the center of the peninsula. The railway becomes the most important means to transport goods and people in the Altiplano. Some 80% of the Grenadine population depends for its livelihood on agriculture, as tenant, small land owner or as laborer migrating throughout the territory seasonally. People live in cave dwellings, particularly in the areas around Guadix and Baza which also today are seen as a sign of territorial identity and provide opportunities for tourism.

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Through the Agricultural Reform Law of 1932 it is planned to redistribute 2,4 million of Andalusia ´s agricultural lands. The law is only partially executed and also collect ivization of land is realised to a lesser extent. Immediately after the end of Spanish civil war former land owners reclaim their land. East-Andalusia suffers from low yields in cereal and olives, and a decrease in livestock. Agricultural production did not meet the needs of the population, and simultaneously there was a decline in industrial production, coupled with shortages in raw materials, capital and technology, a declining living standard, falling wages and widespread hunger. The regime responded with rationing, which in turn made the black market flourish.

The production of esparto remains very important in the Altiplano, till the industry collapses in the fifties and sixties due to the introduction of other fibers and synthetic materials. Combined with the low agricultural productivity of the land in the Altiplano and job openings in the northern and central cities of Spain, a massive emigration of the Altiplano starts. In this period the last metal mine in Baza closes and in 1984 the railway between Granada and Murcia ceases to exist disconnecting the municipalities. Although the connection was re-established with the highway A-92.

Land use

Since 1956 the seize of the natural and semi-natural areas in the Altiplano decreased (some 15,000 hectares in the Andalucian part of the). However the total decrease in (particularly quercineae) forest areas amounts to 27,000 hectares, which have mainly been converted into lands for dry land farming.

Land use in Alvelal territory

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Simultaneously an increase of some 20,000 hectares in forest areas can be observed. In public forests, owned by the authorities, dense wood formations of pine tree ( Pinus Halepensis ) and thicket land with trees were developed. Roughly half of the current pine tree forest existed already in the 50s,͛ where the other half consisted of shrub lands, pastures and agricultural plots. Also the shrublands in the Altiplano (matorral, non-wooden thicket) have seen a loss of 21,000 hectares over the last decades.

As the seize of the natural areas decreased the seize of the total agricultural area increased with some 10,000 hectares. Since 1956 some 52,000 hectares (out of 240,000 hectares in the Andalucian part of the Altiplano) have been transitioned from herbaceous crops, such as cereals and esparto, into tree crops such as almonds and olives. Although relatively few hectares are irrigated in the Altiplano, there is an increase in irrigated farming.

Almond trees monoculture landscape

The biggest trend of the last 60 years is the reforestation by planting woody crops and creating dense wooden forest in the Altiplano. And although the woody crops provide a new productive and more profitable agricultural model, and are in principal beneficial for soil restoration, it also means that the actual steppe character and the quality of steppe fauna and flora diminishes.

More recent trends include when it comes to agricultural lands, the application of new techniques, the introduction of more productive varieties as well as new crops (notably in horticulture). Another important trend in the land use of the Altiplano is coupled with infrastructure related to renewable energy (solar and wind energy) and the expansion of industrial areas close to bigger municipalities.

1.3 Owner/manager

The area of Alvelal is composed of two types of properties: public and private.

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Public land in Alvelal territory

The public areas are composed of public forests and public hydraulic domains (rivers and swamps). Responsible management authorities of public lands are:

Authority Status More information Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Andalusian Government + info Territorio de la Junta de Andalucía. Confederación hidrográfica del Segura Spanish Government +info Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadalquivir Spanish Government +info Demarcación Hidrográfica de la Cuenca Andalusian Goverment +info Mediterránea Andaluza Consejería de Medio Ambiente de la Región de Murcian Government +info Murcia 83 Local governments Local governments

Responsible management authorities of public lands

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 2 Conservation situation

2.1 Landscapes/ecosystems/habitats

Landscape The region is in a deep crisis, caused by massive emigration and abandonment of the landscape. The Altiplano consists of an open landscape, rich in spectacular rock formations with a relatively smooth relief and in sharp contrast with the mountain ranges surrounding the plain. The Altiplano Estepario is a Mediterrean semi-arid steppe.

Badlands Landscape in Guadix, Granada

Landscape in Alvelal territory

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It is a plain without trees (apart from those near rivers), covered with grass or shrubs. The steppe is a transition zone in between deserts and forest areas, where it is too dry to have a forest, but the soil is too moist for a desert.

In AlVelAl the steppe landscape consists particularly of shrubsteppe, opening up gullies and generating the badland-landscape. The vegetation consists of tall grasses such as esparto.

In the Serranías de Montañas Media is characterized by the density of megalithic constructions, (pine) forests contrasting with shrubs and elements such as abandoned settlements and castles. Traditional mountain activities are replaced by other means to make the landscape productive: massive plantation of pine trees and hunting.

Potential Vegetation

Alvelal territory is located in the vegetation domains of the Bética Province, Sector Guadiciano - Bacense and in the Castilian Province Maestrazgo Manchega (in its incursion in the Andalusian region by the province of Almeria), Sector Manchego.

The vegetation series to be considered for their representative presence are the following:

Serie mesomediterránea bética, de ombroclima seco a subhúmedo de la encina; Paeonia coriacea - Querceto rotundifoliae S. En su faciación típica.

This series is typical of mesomediterranean zones of the Bética province, generally under dry ombrotype, although also subhumid, on soils rich in bases from carbonate rocks (sometimes siliceous). The most evolved community corresponds to a holm oak ( Paeonio-Quercetum rotundifoliae ). As a border and first stage of degradation of these holm oaks we find coscojales (with Crataegus monogyna and Quercus coccifera ), sometimes these formations occupy more unfavorable situations such as crests and very sunny rocky outcrops, where they can acquire a certain character of permanent community. The borders in sunny areas are constituted by retamata (of Genista speciosa and Retama sphaerocarpa ) that are located in soils of little slope, deep, under strictly dry ombrotype. In areas with relatively deep soils but with a marked xericity we find spartales ( Thymus gracilis and Stipa tenacissima or Sideritis funkiana and Stipa tenacissima ) or lastonares ( Helictotrichon filifolium , Festuca scariosa and Helictotrichon arundanum ) that proliferate especially on substrata of marly nature. In the most degraded environments and of the poorest and skeletal soils (leptosols) we have romerales and tomillares with different species of labiates with a high power of soil retention and beekeeping interest.

Serie mesomediterránea bética, de ombroclima seco a subhúmedo de la encina; Paeonia coriacea - Querceto rotundifoliae S.

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Serie mesomediterránea guadiciano bacense, de ombroclima semiárido de la coscoja; Rhamno lycioidis - Querceto cocciferae S. En su faciación guadiciano bacense.

It is present in all the domain of the mesomediterranean thermotype of semi-arid ombrotype, very conditioned by the substrate, which is usually made up of very clayey, impermeable and compact materials, such as marls and gypsum, printing an important character of edaphic xericity. that add to the existing climate xericidad in the area. It appears in Andalusia in the Hoya de Guadix-Baza (district Guadiciano-Bastetano), where is the most widespread series of vegetation, appearing below 900 to 1000 m altitude, entering the province of Jaén through the Guadiana Menor valley with altitudes of 600 m Towards the east it penetrates through the Almanzora basin in the Almeriense sector.

The seed-bred community is a coscojal ( Rhamno lycioidis-Quercetum cocciferae ) dense at its optimum (coverage greater than 70%) and of average height between 80 and 250 cm Formed by woody shrub species and sometimes enriched in Aleppo pine when this formation presents clear. In areas of steep topography, a very open carrasco pine forest ( Pinus halepensis ) appears, predominantly dominated by gymnosperms. It can be considered a much more xerophilous variant than the pinarcoscojal, which is characterized by a loss of elements of greater requirements such as kermes oak, mastic and black hawthorn ( Rhamnus lycioides ), in favor of gymnosperms of high resistance to water stress conditions. Sometimes it is very difficult to discern between the two communities since a pinegrove forest begins as a pine forest that provides the conditions required for the installation of the most demanding species.

Among the previous communities, brooms ( Genisto speciosae-Retametum sphaerocarpae ), on well developed soils. In areas with silty texture and deep soils appear espartales ( Sideritido funkianae-Stipetum tenacissimae ), which can coexist with the previous formations that, as we have said, present abundant clearings, these espartales have great landscape importance.

Serie mesomediterránea castellano-maestrazgo-manchega y aragonesa de la encina; Bupleuro rigidi- Querceto rotundifoliae S.

It appears in mesomediterranean, dry or sub-humid zones, but with a very pronounced continentality from the north of the provinces of Granada and Almeria. In Granada it penetrates through the Llanos de Orce and Venta Micena towards Topares and the fields of Bugéjar, while in Almería it appears from the mountains of María and Orce towards the north and surrounds towards the south and the west by Vélez-Rubio until Chirivel, the topographic step that delimits the Sierra de María and las Estancias. This series is very blurred, the areas where it could potentially appear have been traditionally dedicated to rainfed crops (cereal and almond fundamentally), so that its delimitation can be done based on the presence of numerous species Castilian-maestrazgo-La Mancha degradation stages such as: Thymus vulgaris, Thymus membranaceus, Sideritis leucantha subsp. bourgaeana, Vella pseudocytisus, Onobrychis pedicularis, Onosma tricerosperma subsp. tricerosperma, Santolina chamaecyparisus subsp. Squarrosa .

The potential formation is a holm oak ( Bupleuro rigidi-Quercetum rotundifoli ), which in some occasions can give way, very sporadically, to edaphic pine forests (community of Pinus halepensis ) on marls or topographic sabinars in the different outcrops of limestone rocks. scattered throughout the territory, being in most cases impossible to separate them because they constitute a mixture where the oak occupies more favored microniches. Among the bushes, stand out the broom ( Genisto scorpii-Retametum sphaerocarpae ), for its originality the romerales ( Paronychio aretioides-Astragaletum tumidi ) and alternating with them, on somewhat more silty and / or clayey soils, the espartales ( Helictotricho filifolii-Stipetum tenacissimae ). In a very advanced stage of degradation of La Mancha oak forests, a thorn tree ( Helianthemo rotundifolii, Thymetum membranacei ) appears and in heavily weathered soils, sometimes as a primocolonizing stage in horizontal rocks and cracks, the tinder ( Phlomido lychnitis-Brachypodietum retusi ) is present. Lastly, in areas of abandoned crops or with alteration of edaphic horizonates (road margins, forest tracks, etc.). Nitrophilic

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 thyme ( Plantagini sempervirentis-Santolinetum squarrosae ) is common and there are accumulations of salts and a certain hydromorphy, an albardine ( Dactylo hispanicae-Lygeetum spartii )

Serie supramediterránea bética basófila, de ombroclima seco a subhúmedo de la encina; Berberido hispanicae-Querceto rotundifoliae S.

It is located in Bética mountains with limestone-dolomitic substrates, in the high parts of the María and Orce mountain ranges.

Sierra María – Loz Vélez, Almería.

Climax community is a holm oak ( Berberido-Quercetum rotundifoliae ). The elimination of the forest favors the installation of thorny shrub borders ( Crataego monogynae-Loniceretum arboreae and Lonicero splendidae- Berberidetum hispanicae ). The communities of shrub legumes characteristic of the series ( Escobars of Genisto- Cytisetum reverchonii ) predominate in the substitution of holm oaks when there is greater xericity. The progressive loss of soil in the dynamics of the series gives way to the appearance of a serial shrub, represented by lastonares of diverse species of the Helictotrichoum sp. and of the genus Festuca sp ., and salviares-esplegares of Lavandula lanata , Satureja intricata, Genista boissieri and Salvia oxyodonta , which play a fundamental role in the retention of the scarce soil that remains after the elimination of the entire vegetation cover of shrub or arboreal growth. Finally we can find other communities such as the colonizing thyme of Artemisia glutinosa, Santolina canescens and the nitrófilos cardales Verbascum giganteus and Onopordom acaulon .

Serie edafoxerófila castellano-maestrazgo-manchega y bética nororiental sobre calizas duras de la sabina mora (Juniperus phoenicea); Rhamno lycioidis-Junipereto phoeniceae S.

A series of vegetation that can not be mapped on a wide scale, but which exists in a timely manner in the vicinity of Vélez-Rubio and on the Montroy hill (between Lúcar and Somontín) that is part of the AlVelAl territory. Also, although mixed with the series of the Paeonio coriaceae-Querceto rotundifoliae S ., in the Jabalcón Hill and in other localities of the Guadiciano Bastetano district. It occurs on hard limestones and under a dry mesomediterranean bioclimatic regime. It occupies rocky slopes sometimes very inclined, in fissures of small rocks, where the only thing that exists is the head of series, that is to say the sabinar, association Rhamno lycioidis-Juniperetum phoeniceae , mixed with the bushes that accompany it, which are the same as for the series of meso-Mediterranean basophilic basophilic holm oaks. Specifically, it has been possible to

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2.2 Wildlife

Vegetation and biodiversity

The vegetation of the Altiplano is configured as a mosaic of environments predominantly with an open structure. The potential vegetation consist particularly of the Quercus llex and the Quercus Coccifera, which together exceed 95% of the Altiplano´s surface.

The Altiplano is characterized by a high floral diversity, offering diverse habitats particularly for invertebrates and steppe-birds. In the Hoya of Guadix an Baza more than 500 species of beetles (Coleoptera) and butterflies (Lepidoptera) can be found. And the Altiplano offers a home to populations of steppe-birds such as the Black-bellied sandgrouse ( Pterocles orientalis ) and the Trumpeter find (Bucanethes githagineus ). The mountain ranges in AlVelAl are mostly part of protected natural spaces.

Fauna

The area we are dealing with is a territory of enormous geological and geomorphological heterogeneity, which, together with the climatic rigor forced by its geographical location, has resulted in an enormous floristic and faunal richness with numerous species of interest, some of which are included in lists or books. red of threat at regional, state and European level.

Some of the most important species of fauna presented in the area:

Birds Roller ( Coracias garrulus ) Little owl ( Athene noctua ) Little bustard ( Otis tetrax tetrax ) Bee-eater ( Merops apiaster ) Great spoted cucko ( Clamator glandarius ) Sand grouse ( Pterocles orientalis ) Sky lark ( Alauda arvensis ) Calandra lark ( Melanocorypha calandra ) Short lark ( Calandrella brachydactyla ) Lesser sort lark ( Calandrella rufescens ) Crested lark ( Galerida cristata ) Dekla lark ( Galerida theklae ) Dupont´s lark ( Chersophylos duponti ) Stone curlew ( Bhurinus oedicnemus ) Collared pranticole ( Glareaola pranticola ) Nighthjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) Redneck nightjar ( Caprimulgus ruficollis ) Green wood pecker ( Picus viridis ) Wryneck ( Gynx torquilla ) Rufous Bush robin ( cercotrychas galactotes ) Lesser crestel ( falco naumani ) Bonellys Eagle ( Aquila fasciata )

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Golden Eagle ( Aquila crisaetos ) Greeffon vulture (gyps fulvus) Red legged partridge ( alectoris rufa ) Pregreen ( falco peregrinus ) Goshock ( accipites gentili ) Trumpeter finch (Bucanetes gitaginus) (terocles orientalis) Pink tale sound (terocles alcata) Montpellier ( Malpolon monspessulanus ) Ladder snake (rhinechis scalaris) Horseshoe snake ( hemorrhois hyppocrepis ) Spanish algyroides ( algyroides marchi) Ocelated lizart ( timon lepida ) European pond turtle ( emys orbicularis ) Lataste's viper (Vipera latastei ) Mammals Lesser horseshoe bat (Rinolophus hiposiderus) Mehely's horseshoe bat (Rinolofus mehelgy) Doubentu´s bat ( Miotis doubentonis ) Moustached murcielago ( Miotis miotis ) Common noctule (Nyctalus noctula) Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) Cabrera´s vole (microtus cabrerae ) Anphibians Fire salamander ( Salamandra salamandra ) Natterjack tote ( Bufo calamita )

Some species of fauna presented in Alvelal territory

Protected areas

There are four natural parks in total, the Sierra de Castril, the Sierra Nevada, the Sierra María - Los Vélez and the . There are also two natural monuments: a spectacular rock formation called Peña de Castril and a landscape of ravines and deep-trenched gullies close to Guadix, called the Cárcavas de Marchal.

Source of Castril river, Granada.

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The main characteristic of the Sierra the Castril is its spectacular relief, where waterflows erode the limestone mountains, and waterfalls and caves are omnipresent. The vegetation in the lower basins consist of quercus and pinus halepensis , which is replaced by quercus faginea , fraxinus and acer in the most moist areas. The pinus nigra dominates the higher mountain ranges, accompanied by the juniperus sabina and other thorny vegetation.

The Sierra María-Los Vélez has massive and prolonged structure, that rises like an island from its surroundings. Its forest contrast with shrubs and sub-shrubs, varied with agricultural plots provide a habitat for invertebrates.

The Sierra de Baza consists of a mountainous massif rising out of the Altiplano with altitudes exceeding 2,000m. In the park are dense forests of pinus sylvestris , pinus nigra salzmannii , as well as some quercus mixed with acer opalus subs granadiense and sorbus aria.

The Sierra Nevada is a massive mountain range of high altitude with some thirty plus peaks above 3,000m. It is an area with a botanical richness, including 2,100 plant species and a large number of invertebrates. Its principal vegetation consists of quercus and castanea, with pine forests at higher elevations.

In addition to the natural parks six natural areas in the Altiplano have been named places of community interest (LIC and ZEC), namely: Rio Guadiana Menor – Upper Section, Rio Guadiana - Lower Section, the Sierra de Baza Norte, Sierras del Noreste, Sierra de Arana, the Sierra de Moratalla, the Sierra del Oso.

Sierra de Moratalla, Murcia.

A Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) is a category of protected area classified by the member states of the European Union as a natural area of particular importance for the conservation of birds threatened with extinction, in accordance with the provisions of Community Directive 79/409/EEC and subsequent amendments ("EU Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds"). The convention starts from the recognition that the birds of European territory are common heritage and must be protected through homogeneous management that conserves their habitats. Under the Directive, European Union

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In the protection zones, hunting of birds is prohibited or limited in terms of dates and techniques; possible marketing is regulated; and states are obliged to act to preserve the environmental conditions required for the rest, reproduction and feeding of birds.

Together with the Special Areas of Conservation (ZEC), ZEPAs form a network of protected sites throughout the European Union, called Natura 2000

Protected areas: LIC, ZEC and ZEPAS (Red Natura 2000)

2.3 Threats

The Altiplano is a semiarid steppe that is quickly turning into a desert as a consequence of decades of deforestation and damaging intensive farming practices, further accelerated by climate change. If this desertification is not halted soon the damage will likely be irreversible.

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The consequences of this desertification are multiple and have a deep impact on diverse areas: loss of top soil, erosion, loss of biodiversity, decreased groundwater recharge, soil degradation and low productivity, among others. It is estimated that every year in Spain almost 34 million hectares are lost to desertification, which is almost one fourth of the total land affected by desertification in Europe.

The unemployment rate is currently between 15% and 40%, although during the worst moments of recent years it has reached between 40% and 60%. (Instituto de Estadística de Andalucía). Many, especially young people, have emigrated in search of work in the cities, which has resulted in the decrease of activities and services in all sectors, and especially in the worrying aging of the local population. In addition to this, the economic problems of the region have been aggravated by the recent economic crisis.

The effect of overexploitation, deforestation, loss of land cover and inefficient land use planning have been exacerbated by climate change, resulting in a disruption of the natural balance and landscape productivity. All this together has a negative effect on economic activity and puts social cohesion and employment at risk.

Endangered and vulnerable species

The almond tree monoculture, the fragmentation of habitats, the loss of cereal cultivation, the expansion of road infrastructures are the main causes of biodiversity loss. In the area there are several species of that are on the lists of endangered or vulnerable species.

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2.4 Opportunities

There is a wealth of agricultural biodiversity that forms the basis of the ecosystem: cereal plantations are key to the recovery of steppe birds and the rest of the food chains that depend on them.

Although more than 50% of the area is used as agricultural crops, the diversity in flora and fauna that the AlVelAles region has significant. 35% of all species in Spain have their habitat in the region, and many of these are protected or vulnerable species.

In order to avoid monocropping, we have developed the almendrehesa concept: an innovative economic alternative to the current degrading agricultural practices. The almendrehesa is an integrated productive system based on complementary business models that diversify production while increasing land productivity and land value. It helps improve family-unit economy while decreasing risks through the diversification of farming activities and ranching practices.

This man-made productive ecosystem decreases erosion, restores water balance, enhances biological diversity and beautifies the landscape. Altogether this enhances the local economy while promoting local

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La Almendrehesa ecosystem

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018 3 Conservation management This conservation management plan focuses on the restoration of degraded areas affected by intense erosion and soil loss, and in which we want to improve and recover biodiversity. The actions have been designed for two types of areas, natural areas and agricultural/livestock farms, adapting them to the idiosyncrasies of the territory and aligning them with the objectives of Alvelal.

Alvelal has a solid structure, composed of a management and a technical team, and clear objectives, based on the recovery of biodiversity in the steppe plateau. For this reason, Alvelal has the capacity to develop this Plan, with the collaboration of agents from local and regional governments, other associations and citizens.

3.1 Our vision Alvelal aims to transform 1.000.000 hectares in the next 20 years. As a first phase, Alvelal has a Natural Zone Restoration Plan 2017-2022 to restore 6,000 hectares of land across private farms and public land in 8 areas of the Altiplano, articulated by the highway that connects all the Alvelal territory (A92). More details canbe found in the Appendix 3.

Vision for the Natural Zone in Alvelal

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3.2 Strategic objectives

Since 2014 AlVelAl has worked to develop a large-scale conservation management plan for the region. The implementation of this strategy will be carried out during the next 20 years since this strategy is based on long-term restoration of the landscape.

The objectives are focused on natural areas and farms in the AlVelAl territory. They focus on water, soil, and treemanagement objectives.

Objectives Concrete Results Restore degraded areas Massive pine forest thinned Increased organic matter in soil Create ecological corridors that connect Increased water retention

ZONES ZONES protected and restored areas NATURAL Increased biodiversity Promote regenerative agriculture Increased organic matter in soil Increased water retention

FARMS Integrate different sustainable uses Increased biodiversity

3.3 Conservation actions

3.3.1 Natural Zones

Alvelal has drafted a Natural Zones Restoration Plan 2017-2022, focused on restoring key degraded natural areas in the territory, with the goal of creating biodiversity corridors between protected areas.

The actions that Alvelal is implementing are:

NZ.CA.1. Clear soil The naturalization of pine groves consists of gradually replacing the dense stands of pine groves for reforestation that are not integrated into the environment by units of natural vegetation. The environmental benefits that are forese eable in these naturalization actions: expansion of native plant species, diversification of wildlife habitat and consequently greater ecological stability.

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NZ.CA. 2. Reapply organic matter resulting from clearing and compost The thinning of the pine wood mass for its naturalization will generate an important amount of biomass whose proposed destination is the chipping to increase the organic matter content in the superficial layer of the soil. It is estimated that the initial cut of an average of 225 feet/ha can generate approximately 18 tons/ha of biomass.

NZ.CA.3. Establish check dams in natural canals We propose the construction of small obstacles to hydrological connectivity, such as check dams, and the use of technomaterials for the constructi on of them

NZ.CA 4. Establish small ponds Another building element from the point of view of ecological progression is the existence of water points to generate new habitat. Around these water points new habitats are created and living conditions for mammals and birds are facilitated in a variable radius. The presence of moisture in the soil for a longer period of time makes it possible to install plant species that are a little more demanding in ter ms of water availability. This may in turn be one more element in the achievement of floristic diversity.

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NZ.CA.5. Place insect hotels The presence of insects in an ecosystem is fundamental. They are found in a basal stratum of the trophic pyramid, and their presence therefore drives the growth of populations of species that feed on them. The creation of insect hotels that can speed up the desired biodynamic processes can be achieved, for example, by instal ling piles of dead wood between the trees. From an ecological perspective, this measure can be justified by the fact that any forest in its natural state has dead woody remains in which processes of decomposition of which insects are involved are initiated .

NZ.CA.6. Installation of nests Installation of nesting boxes in young pine groves that do not offer nesting holes for Ratchet and Owl. Placement of a box per hectare in the largest trees and with the prior permission of those responsible in electrical towers if possible. For other types of birds with caveman habits at the rate of 5 per Ha

NZ.CA.7. Trees plantations For the period 2017-2022, it is estimated that 3,000 Quercus Quercus Berberis hectares can be planted with species adapted to local Rotundifolia coccifera hispanica soil and climate conditions, with a planting density Pinus Retama Ephedra fragilis of 100 u/ha. halepensis sphaerocarpa Genista Rhamnus Crataegus cinerea ssp. lycioides monogyna bsp. speciosa brevispina Gypsophylla Anthyllis struthium cytisoides Lavandula Lavandula lanata latifolia Juníperus Juniperus Juniperus oxycedrus thurifera phoenicea Rosa canina Salvia Rosmarinus lavandulifolia officinalis

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3.3.2 Farms

All our activities are focused on regenerating the landscape by restoring the soil, water and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By regenerating landscape, we enable biodiversity and environment protection.

We promote the protection and expansion of the natural zones and wildlife protected areas. Our philosophy proposes a “mixed zone” between the natural zone and the economic zone that serves as a transition for animals, insects and all species to thrive.

F.CA.1. Vegetation Islands Promote and develop islands and vegetation strips that provide as long as possible floral resources to the communities of natural pollinators of crops, both bees and other free-living insects. Among the expected results is the increase in biodiversity in the agricultural environment and the creation of bridges between pollinators and natural areas. These islands of vegetation may consist of plantations of aromatic plants between crops

F.CA.2.Windbreak hedges The hedges between plots with native species of trees and shrubs perform many ecological functions, all of them positive. By multiplying biodiversity, they improve ecological balance and free ecosystem services to crops. Among other things, hedges help to create favourable microclimates by dampening the wind that damages crops.

F.CA.3. Promotion and managementof Green cover. - Contribute organic matter to the soil - Avoid Nitrogen losses by leaching or volatilization - Increase soil biological activity - Accelerating humus mineralization - Mineralise soil nutrients - Improve soil structure - Reduce the risk of erosion - Serve as a refuge for auxiliary insects to control crop pests - Serve as feed for livestock - Nitrogen fixation (legumes) - Atmospheric CO 2 capture

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- Cushion temperature changes - Increase rain infiltration - Collaborate in weed control due to competitive effects and/or certain substances they produce

F.CA.4. Integration of livestock in the farms to manage the cover Integrating livestock between tree crops is a way of managing the ground cover, without having to remove it. It also provides nutrients to the soil and helps spreading the risk for the farmer by having another type of income. Livestock between almond trees is now mainly done in the wintermonths but by implementing ground cover in summer, sheep can graze all year round and have to make less use of the natural areas.

F.CA.5. Crop diversification Crop diversification has a positive effect on the biodiversi ty on farms of both flora and fauna. It provides different habitats as well as making the farm more resistant to plagues and spreading the risk . A diversity of crops also has a positive influence on the soil and in rotational schemes can have a beneficial effect on other crops.

F.CA.6. Creating points for biodiversity: ponds and insect hotels The creation of ponds and other hotspots of biodiversity immediately brings back life to the surrounding areas. Harvesting water from the rain increases the water uptake by the soil and makes it possible to slowly infiltrate. Many species enjoy the ponds a s it is their only water source in summer. The insect hotels are used by many pollinators and provide a direct function for the crops around in improving the production.

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3.4 Conservation indicators

Below the conservation, indicators are mentioned based on the research done by experts and based on experiences in the field of agroecology. This exists of several regenerative practices, which are all designed to restore degraded agricultural land, they are categorized in water, soils, trees and diversification measures.

This year we have worked on creating a baseline and monitor all the farms and natural areas involved in our project. The impact of implementing these regenerative practices will be measured in the coming years. Regarding biodiversity measurements, there is not yet a good baseline although research has been done on some farms. As we are working in a very big area, which consists of a large part of Andalusia and now, also Murcia it is very difficult to say something about biodiversity in the AlVelAl territory as it consists of different climates, altitudes, soil types etc.

CONSERVATION INDICATORS Indicator Actual State (2018) Favorable state of conservation Farms Natural area on farm (ha) 1.724 The surface is maintained or increased Cereals area (ha) 1.524 The surface is increased Winter ground cover (ha) 849 The surface is increased Amount of aromatics planted 70 The amount is increased Amount of hectares ground cover No data The amount is increased whole year round Hedges and borders planted (m 2) 9.000 The surface is increased Ponds (amount of ponds) 13 The amount is increased Bees (amount of beehives) 260 The amount is increased Natural Restored natural zone (ha) 200 The surface is increased Zone Presence of characteristic or valuable No data Number of species is species increased

3.5 Coordination and execution

Alvelal is an association of farmers, businesses, researchers and other institutions with the same vision of the future. We want to improve the socioeconomic, environmental and cultural conditions for the people in our territory. We fight desertification, depopulation of the villages, lack of opportunities and by doing that we create a brighter future for our land and our people. Our aim is to restore the land and create business cases that are sustainable and are focused on local products and services.

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Alvelal Organigram

3.5.1 Governance

AlVelAl consists of a board of 12 board members and a team of 12 working parttime/fulltime to make this a success. The team has two coordinators who share the responsibilities and who bridge the gap between the team and the board and the team/board and Commonland.

We have different focus areas amongst which are: education, agricultura, research, culture, sustainable tourism and developing new business cases.

o Cristóbal Aránega. Chairman o Santiaga Sánchez. Accounting clerk. o Miguel Ángel Gómez. Secretary and Research

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o Mª Dolores Masegosa. Entrepreneurship o Alfonso Chico. Agriculture o Juana Reche. Environment and water o Manuel Martínez. Comercialization o María Gallardo. Education o Ángel Hernández. Tourism o José Antonio Lizarte. Logistics o Dietmar Roth. Culture and Heritage

3.5.2 Stakeholders

Amongst our stakeholders are research institutes like; CSIC, CEBAS, University of Almeria, University of Utrecht. We are also in close collaboration with tourism and culture related stakeholders like; TUI Care Foundation. Besides we work together with international/European organizations like Ecosia, Commonland, and more.

Also the regional Government of Andalusia is involved in this Conservation Management Plan through collaboration with the Natural Park of Sierra María-Los Vélez.

Workshop on the Conservation Plan between board, team and other stakeholders

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Presentating the Conservation management Plan on 9 th July to stakeholders.

Presentation of the natural zone restoration Plan.

3.5.3 Technical team

The technical team receives the direct mandate from the board, and its coordinators translate these action plans to be implemented through the diverse areas.

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We have skilled people with both agronomy and biology backgrounds as well as researchers who’s daily job it is to assist on farms and in natural areas by visiting and sharing knowledge with farmers. This means that every farmer of AlVelAl has the chance to get a report with recommendations for his/her farm.

o Elvira Marín. Coordinator o Catalina Casanova. Vice-Coordinator o Fernando Bautista: Technical Director o Miguel Ángel Gómez: Technical consultant and research. University of Almería. o Frank Ohlenschlaeger. Marketing and commercializatoin o Leopoldo Pérez. Business cases o Dietmar Roth. Culture and heritage o Yanniek Schoonhoven. Monitoring and evaluation. o Marina López. Communication o Maria Eugenia Ramos. Research. CSIC – EEZ o Belén Sánchez. Mobilization

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Appendix I. Implementing legislation  Directiva 79/409/CEE, de 2 de abril de 1979, relativa a la conservación de las aves silvestres.  Directiva de la Comisión 49/97/CE, de 29 de julio, por la que se modifica la Directiva 79/409/CEE, del Consejo, relativa a la conservación de  las aves silvestres  Directiva 92/43/CEE, de 21 de mayo de 1992, de conservación de los espacios naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres. (Directiva Hábitats).  Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2001, de 20 de julio, por el que se aprueba el Texto Refundido de la Ley de Aguas.  Real Decreto 849/1986, de 11 de abril, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento del Dominio Público Hidráulico.  Real Decreto 606/2003, de 23 de mayo, por el que se modifica el Real Decreto 849/1986, de 11 de abril, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento del Dominio Público Hidráulico, que desarrolla los Títulos preliminar, I, IV, V, VI y VIII de la Ley 29/1985, de 2 de agosto, de Aguas  Ley 42/2007, de 13 de diciembre, del Patrimonio Natural y la Biodiversidad.  Real Decreto 1997/1995, de 7 de diciembre, por el que se establecen medidas para contribuir a garantizar la biodiversidad mediante la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres.  Real Decreto 1421/2006, de 1 de diciembre, por el que se modifica el Real Decreto 1997/1995, de 7 de diciembre, por el que se establecen medidas para contribuir a garantizar la biodiversidad mediante la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la flora y fauna silvestres.  Real Decreto 1432/2008, de 29-08-2008, por el que se establecen medidas para la protección de la avifauna contra la colisión y la electrocución en líneas eléctricas de alta tensión.  Ley 42/2007, de 13 de diciembre, del Patrimonio Natural y de la Biodiversidad.  Orden de 10 de marzo de 2000 por la que se incluyen en el Catálogo Nacional de Especies Amenazadas determinadas especies, subespecies y poblaciones de flora y fauna y cambian de categoría y se excluyen otras especies ya incluidas en el mismo.  Real Decreto 439/1990, de 30 de marzo, por el que se regula el Catálogo Nacional de Especies Amenazadas.  Real Decreto 1997/1995, de 7 de diciembre, por el que se establecen medidas para contribuir a garantizar la biodiversidad mediante la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres.  Ley 16/1985, de 25 de junio, del Patrimonio Histórico Español.  Real Decreto 111/1986, de 10 de enero, en desarrollo parcial de la ley anterior.  Ley 8/2003, de 28 de octubre, de la flora y la fauna silvestres.  Decreto 23/2012, de 14 de febrero, por el que se regula la Conservación y el Uso Sostenible de la Flora y la Fauna Silvestres y sus Hábitats.  Ley 2/1989, de 18 de julio, por la que se aprueba el inventario de Espacios Naturales Protegidos de Andalucía y se establecen medidas adicionales para su protección  Ley 2/1995, de 1 de junio, sobre modificación de la Ley 2/89, de 18 de julio, por la que se aprueba el inventario de espacios naturales protegidos de Andalucía y se establecen medidas adicionales para su protección.  Ley 6/1996, de 18 de julio, relativa a la modificación del art. 20 de la Ley 2/89, de 18 de julio, por la que se prueba el inventario de espacios naturales protegidos de Andalucía  Ley 14/2007, de 26 de noviembre, del Patrimonio Histórico de Andalucía.  Ley 4/1992 de Ordenación y Protección del Territorio de la Región de Murcia

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Appendix II. Literature

 Altiplano Estepario, Ambientes semiáridos del sureste andaluz. Junta de Andalucia, 2010  Catálogo de paisajes de la Provincia de Granada. http://paisajeyterritorio.es/assets/altiplano-y- sierras-de-la-comarca-de-huescar.pdf  Estrategia de Desarrollo del GDR Altiplano de Granada. http://altiplanogranada.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/04/GR02_EDL_ALTIPLANO_GRANADA.pdf  Estrategia de Desarrollo del GDR de la comarca de Guadix http://www.comarcadeguadix.com/edl-leader-2016-2020/  Estrategia de Desarrollo del GDR de la comarca de Los Vélez http://www.aprovelez.com/edlvelez/69-edl-velez

Appendix III. Natural Zone Restorarion Plan

Appendix IV. SWAT The strength of the Alvelal project area is:  very enthusiastic team  strong support of the local people.  good collaboration with scientific organisations  the current financial basis is good through the support of the Commonland-organisation and of other donors.

The weaknesses :  Vast area.  Young initiative  Some regenerative practices are are in the process of research

The long term threats are:  the more and more pronounced climate change with a high vulnerability for desertification. The project copes with this through soil restoration, diversification of crops, water infiltration, and strengthening of the biodiversity.  the large emigration and high unemployment. Although the project has only limited impact on this threat it cooperates with education institutions in the region and stimulates quality employment for higher qualified youth.

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Conservation Management Plan VCA Registry, 2018

 the EU regulations and policies; they stop real progress in the restoration of the area. The EU- pressure for high production of for example cereals on poor marginal soils causes soil degradation and erosion; those EU-funds could better be directed towards payments for ecosystem services such as soils and biodiversity restoration.

Opportunities for the region are:  the high value of the global market for regenerative almonds and other products of the agricultural biodiversity;  the emphasis on ecological corridors between the national parks which should entitle the project for a broader landscape support;  diversification of the crops. The CMP mentions almond trees interspersed with other species such as pistachio, walnut, grapes and others. This diversification linked to complementary businesses offers new opportunities for new regenerative markets.

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