Work has recently begun to restore traditional irrigation channels (acequias de careo) and restore high mountain matorral scrubland in the framework of Life ADAPTAMED. This action is entirely conducted in the Sierra Nevada National Park and is meant to make the Bérchules (south slope) and Haza Mesa (north slope) irrigation channels operational. Work on the Haza Mesa watercourse has been carried out in cooperation with the Autonomous National Parks Agency (OAPN), while the Bérchules watercourse has counted collaboration from the Bérchules Irrigation Community and the respective local authority.

The Bérchules watercourse is one of the most important such acequias in the Sierra Nevada. It irrigates a large part of the valleys of Trevélez and Bérchules, while also conducting water from high altitudes to fertile meadowlands in Mecina Bombarón, Alcútar or Narila.

Traditional knowledge and science hand-in-hand

While restoration of those upland irrigation channels is under way, scientists from the University of Granada and park personnel have been working to restore populations of junipers and other mountain shrubs. Seed sowing in different ecological scenarios will further understanding of the requirements that must be borne in mind to maximise the success of future actions to regenerate such plant formations.

This action shows that the project uses traditional elements and knowledge as well as local participation to offer solutions regarding adaptation to climate change. The ecosystems that benefit from this action are protected by the Habitat Directive (montane formations of Cytisus purgans) and are among the Mediterranean Basin ecosystems with the highest rates of endemic presence.

These matorrales are a clear example of provision of ecosystem services, as they actively participate in fostering diversity, favouring the growth of pollinator populations and plant species, enabling the creation and maintenance of livestock pastures and supplying water resources that help maintain traditional mountain agriculture practices.

Another added value of these actions can be found in the good example set by the work jointly carried out by scientists, technical personnel, regional and local administration, irrigators, farmers and other local stakeholders.

For more information: José Miguel Barea

Photo: Workers from the Bérchules Irrigation Community and the Environment and Water Agency work as a team to restore operation of the Bérchules irrigation channel in the Sierra Nevada.

©Life Adaptamed / José Miguel Barea