Both the olive grove area and the wooded area have undergone a process of degradation in recent years due to strong pressure from human activities. One of the main problems is the high attrition suffered by the substrate and vegetation cover in the area of olive groves, due to continued use of chemicals, systematic tillage and subsequent abandonment. Finally, during the last decade, the study area has undergone a gradual process of abandonment. Besides the environmental problems, cultural problems have arisen due to the loss of traditional uses and activities of the former estate.

 

The oaks are the most affected vegetation, having been replaced mostly by olive trees, cereals or transformed into pasture for cattle. This transformation, coupled with the continued use of plant protection products and overgrazing, illegal hunting or overexploitation of aquifers, has caused a decrease in the diversity and richness of flora and fauna species as well as an impoverishment of the soil physicochemical characteristics.

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Our association seeks to create a replicable model, which can solve the problems of environmental degradation, such as the intensification of farming methods and the depopulation and abandonment of traditional activities, by attracting people back to rural areas to manage small equally profitable and environmentally friendly agro-ecological farms.

To do so, we will work in 3 intimately linked areas:

 

• Creation of a land management plan, under the protection status of an Ecological Reserve which allow us to restore and conserve the habitat of high ecological value.

• Restoration and creation of an ecological model for olive groves management in harmony with the Ecological Reserve.

• Creation of a space for disclosure, education and applied research.

 

We believe that giving prominence to agro-ecological products and local resources (traditional farmers' knowledge, agricultural and livestock varieties, or the agricultural landscape), complementation with other economic activities (environmental education, agro-tourism) and the development of short marketing circuits are the best alternatives to the loss of competitiveness that rural areas are suffering lately.

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The term “Ecological reserve” refers to an area with important wildlife or special geological features. It is intended to be protected and managed in accordance with principles of conservation where research and education play an important role. In our case, it is an Ecological Reserve declared by the Ministry of Environment and Territory Planning of the Junta de Andalucía.

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The main objectives of this Ecological reserve are:

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• Conservation and improvement of habitats

• Maintenance of biological diversity

• Improvement of ecological connectivity

• Promote the sustainable use of the olive grove

• Generate added values ​​in agricultural production

• Sustainable management of extensive livestock

• Promote applied research

• Communicate and promote our efforts in favor of the sustainability and conservation of biodiversity in general

• Environmental education

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