Geoconservation in Castilla-La Mancha. Current status and future perspective

Abstract

Different initiatives of geoconservation have been developed in Castilla-La Mancha region (central Spain) in the last years, including the protection of several geological sites. The protection of geological heritage in the mentioned territory han consisted mainly in developing a legal framework for geological conservation, and the recognition of the geological sites to protect. Key factors for the identification of the mentioned protected areas have been the geological characteristics, the potential vulnerability and the relationships with biotic values. The geological heritage has been considered as a important element in new protected areas promulgation for its own interest. But also the geological heritage is an important feature of the natural heritage to be protected, sharing interest with biotic values. Geoconservation has been considered as a key element to protect and manage the natural heritage conservation. Different initiatives of divulgation and outcrops protection have been developed to provide opportunities for public use. These initiatives provide a broader perspective and more possibilities for the conservation of the geological heritage. The Law 9/1999 of Nature Conservation in Castilla-La Mancha is the legal framework to environmental conservation in this region. Geological heritage protection in Castilla-La Mancha has been very positive, but different problems have been detected. It is necessary to develop more legal tools and more inventories. Tne years after its approval, this paper analyzes the results and the opportunities for the coming years, as an interesting experience that can be developed in a similar way in other autonomous communities.