Management Implications for the Most Attractive Scenic Sites along the Andalusia Coast (SW Spain)

Abstract

A coastal scenery assessment was carried out at 50 sites along the 910 km long Andalusia coast (SW Spain) using a checklist of 26 natural and human parameters, parameter weighting matrices, and fuzzy logic. A scenic classification was utilised that can rate sites as Class I (natural areas of great scenic beauty) to Class V (urbanised areas of poor scenic interest), but, for this study, only natural sites of great scenic value were investigated; 41 sites were included in Class I, 9 in Class II and, apart from four, all of the sites were under some feature of protection-managed by the Andalusia Environmental Agency (RENPA, in Spanish). Sites belong to the Natural Park Cabo de Gata-Nijar (24% of sites), the Natural Park of Gibraltar Strait (18%), the Natural Place Acantilado de Maro-Cerro Gordo (12%), and the Natural and National parks of Doñana (8%). Results obtained by means of scenic evaluation constitute a sound scientific basis for any envisaged management plan for investigated coastal areas preservation/conservation and responsible future developments, especially for natural protected areas, which represent the most attractive coastal tourist destinations. With respect to natural parameters, excellent scenic values appeared to be linked to the geological setting and the presence of mountainous landscapes related to the Betic Chain. Human parameters usually show good scores because null or extremely reduced human impacts are recorded, but, at places, conflicts arose between conservation and recreational activities because visitors are often interested in beach activities more so than ecotourism. Low scores of human parameters were often related to litter presence or the unsuitable emplacement of utilities, such as informative panels, litter bins, etc.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Continental Ecuador and Galapagos Islands: Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Tourism and Economic Context

“…As one of the axes of national development to support quality of services, they are promoting the professionalization of human resources, raising of the quality of tourist destinations, and the improvement of the country's international promotion [39]. In the last decade, this plan has shown an increase in tourist arrivals [13,40], notably drawing attention to the greater presence of tourists in the insular zone, attracted by greater scenic beauty in physical and anthropogenic aspects. All these efforts have not been sufficient to maintain competitiveness with countries with more ideal beach tourism and sunny seasons.…”

The Willingness to Pay for Beach Scenery and Its Preservation in Italy

“…[22,26,[39][40][41]. Furthermore, CSES has been applied to some recent studies in Italy [7], Brazil [28,29], and Spain [42].…”

Conflict and Impacts Generated by the Filming of Discovery Channel’s Reality Series “Naked and Afraid” in the Amazon: A Special Case in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador

“…The use of natural resources in protected areas has given rise to social conflicts. Such conservation conflicts or socio-environmental conflicts can be defined as situations that occur when two or more stakeholders hold opposing interests, perceptions, opinions, or emotions on a given objective [8,11]. This definition recognizes that conflicts can occur between human beings and that in the context of protected areas, conflicts may arise when the conservation interests of one of the parties are threatened by the position of those with a different vision.…”

“…Currently, Ecuadorian law requires any work, project, or activity to leave royalties or compensation for locals. However, when the economic benefits or compensations are poorly managed by the leaders or representatives of communities, it will not help the conservation of a protected area [7,8].…”