The Life ADAPTAMED Project objectives have been shared with local communities in the three protected areas (Sierra Nevada, Doñana and Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Park) during the first informative sessions organized in collaboration with the relevant City Councils on 23 May, 8 June and 21 June 2016 respectively.

An average of 25-30 representatives of local institutions in each area participated in the informative hearings. From shepherds to members of the irrigation community, city mayors, forestry and tourism professionals, they have all shown a general concern about the lack of water and the increase of temperatures, which are damaging the harvest and favouring pests and diseases (holm oak dieback, processionary caterpillars, olive fly in the case of Sierra Nevada). Stockbreeders also expressed their concern on the high intake of feedstock needed due to the scarcity of grasslands.
The project coordinators took the opportunity to introduce the activities to be developed by the Life ADAPTAMED project in each area and discuss with participants the adequacy of the proposed actions to achieve better results.

Participants in general showed satisfaction with the information provided and the participatory and governance process initiated with this project.
The project focuses on the development, assessment and dissemination of adaptive management measures for key ecosystems providing services such as soil retention, pollination grounds, grasslands, temperature regulation, water supply, and prevention of forest fires and desertification.

These initial informative sessions have been organized by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation in collaboration with the protected area managers.

More information: Carla Danelutti

Photo: Poster Sierra Nevada informative session. ©IUCN