average temperatures of more than eight degrees and are some of the consequences that the country’s rural areas will suffer due to the impact of climate change. A study prepared in the Jiennense region of Sierra Magina highlights the main challenges facing these mountain territories due to the climatic effects and, at the same time, proposes a series of changes that the municipalities will have to face to adapt their current productive systems to the new scenarios that are glimpsed in the short, medium and long term. Among these changes is reformulate the tourism sector, return to the use of awnings, green roofs, mud, stone and wood, in constructions and increase the use of photovolthal energy.
The study, promoted by the Diputación de Jaén and LA, concludes that the main climatic risks will be the heat waves and the increase in temperatures, both in the near future, medium and distant. Thus, it predicts increases in heat waves between eight days in a near stage (2040) up to 20 days on the Middle Horizon (2070).
In the historical period analyzed by the SICMA Environmental Portal of the Junta de Andalucía it is determined that the average temperature will rise more than eight degrees, well above the maximum increase of 2ºC established in the Paris Conference for the average annual temperature of the planet.
And the first consequence of this drastic increase in temperatures will be the potential and high risk of forest fires. In Sierra Magina of the 152,602 hectares of the region, almost 90%,. And the rediam environmental network of Andalusia predicts a high level of risk, very high or extreme in 79% of the area of the region, mainly in the central areas.
However, although the risk of forest fires will be aggravated by the rise in temperatures, the increase in heat waves and the reduction of rainfall, “the territory is a natural barrier to the advancement of forest fires,” is indicated in the study that is a pioneer for rural territories.
Among the consequences that the new climate context will bring, experts allude to the loss of biodiversity and the risk of extinction of endemic species of the natural park; the alteration of the mountain landscape; or the condition of the historical orchards system that has its main reference in the pond and source of the Pegalajar fence, a set declared a place of ethnological interest included in the General Catalog of Historical-Andalusian Heritage. In addition, the greater pressure and competence for water, the increase in costs due to air conditioning or closure of natural spaces, among other threats.
Drought and change in tourist demand
In addition to affecting the for the activities of the sector, the drought also implies a risk to the landscape and the activities to be developed around the Sierra Magina Natural Park and the rest of the natural spaces, since it affects both the natural vegetation cover, as well as the crops and livestock uses, components of maximum importance in the landscape scene.
One of the sectors that is focused on reinventing is that of rural tourism, which is already suffering the displacement of demand for increasing temperatures in mountain areas. The study refers to and the reduction of outdoor activities such as hiking experiences, bike routes, sports competitions or organization of events and shows.
“The tourism sector must bet on a transition to a more sustainable and resilient model that drives the economic and social development of the region without compromising its valuable natural and cultural heritage,” says the deputy of Promotion and Tourism of Jaén, Francisco Javier Lozano. This study serves as the basis for the guide prepared by the Diputación de Jaén with which it intends to contribute to the tourism sector of Sierra Magina can be better adapted to the effects of climate change. An initiative that is part of the Tourist Sustainability Plan at destination (PSTD),, And that it is the result of a joint month work with tourism companies, the municipalities of this region, the Association for Rural Development of Sierra Magina and responsible for this Natural Park.
This guide is raised as a tool that includes possible solutions and proposals for companies and entities Green ceilings such as insulating terms or even materials with natural thermal properties that maintain more stable temperatures. It is also proposed to incorporate plants of low water demand, such as lavender, thyme or rosemary or the use of drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors to minimize evaporation.
In addition, other small nuclei of the rural environment are betting on photovoltaic energy to reduce their energy invoice. This is the case of the City of Escañuela that has installed three photovoltaic plants in public buildings; in Génave with a photovoltaic system in its town hall and in a residence of elders; in torredonjimeno, betting on the recovery of the natural space of the ravines; or the creation of climatic shelters by planting trees in the municipality of Marmolejo.
The head of the Environment and Climate Change of the Diputación de Jaén, Isabel Uceda, stressed that “these are just some examples of investment projects aimed at the mitigation of climate change, the adaptation to it and the improvement of the energy transition.” Actions that are part of, which includes 294 actions that address a broad spectrum of issues, including both environmental issues (energy, natural resources, natural environment, urbanism, etc.) and economic (agriculture, livestock, tourism or commerce) and social.
