Category Archives: Biospheres (MAB) in Spain

Spain has several biosphere reserves designated by the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). These are areas that aim to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources and the involvement of local communities.

One example is the Doñana Biosphere Reserve. Located in southwestern Spain, which encompasses a mosaic of ecosystems, including marshlands, dunes, beaches, and forests. It is an important breeding site for many bird species, such as flamingos and herons, and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. The reserve is also home to endangered species, such as the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle.

Another example is the Sierra Nevada Biosphere Reserve, located in southern Spain, which includes a high-altitude mountain range and several ecosystems, from Mediterranean forests to alpine meadows. It is recognized for its biodiversity, with many endemic plant and animal species, and its cultural heritage, with the presence of traditional land use practices, such as transhumance.

Biospheres (MAB) in Spain are important areas for conservation, research, education, and sustainable development, contributing to the well-being of both nature and people.

Biospheres (MAB) in Spain

Biospheres in Spain

September 20, 2023 clive 2 Comments

The concept of Biosphere Reserves, as recognized by UNESCO since 1974, represents a significant milestone in humanity’s commitment to fostering harmony between people and the natural world. In this article, we will delve into the essence of Biosphere Reserves, understanding their pivotal role as “learning places for sustainable development.”

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere Reserves, endorsed by UNESCO, serve as global hubs for interdisciplinary exploration of the intricate relationship between society and ecosystems. These reserves are at the forefront of testing innovative approaches to manage ecological and social systems, including conflict resolution and biodiversity preservation. They offer local solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

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Biospheres (MAB) in Spain

Babia Biosphere Reserve

July 24, 2023 clive 2 Comments

Region: Castilla y Leon (Leon)
Declared a biosphere reserve in 2004
Protected area: 38.107,60 hectares.
Towns and villages: Cabrillanes – (La Cueta, Huergas de Babia, Lago de Babia, Mena de Babia, Meroy, Las Murias, Peñalba de Cilleros, Piedrafita de Babia, Quintanilla de Babia, La Riera de Babia, San Félix de Arce, Torre de Babia, Vega de Viejos). San Emiliano – (Candemuela, Cospedal, Genestosa, La Majúa, Pinos, Riolago, Robledo de Babia, Torrebarrio, Cubiechas, Torrestío, Truébano, Villafeliz de Babia, Villargusán, Villasecino)

Points of interest.

The Babia biosphere reserve is located in the in the Babia region, northwest of the province of León. The protected area covers around 38,000 hectares in the municipalities of Cabrillanes and San Emiliano.

At some point in the future this area may be combined with other protected areas and biospheres such as the Parque natural de Babia y Luna and the Omaña-Luna biosphere to form the recently proposed “Great Cantabrian Biosphere Reserve”.

To the north, the peaks of Peña Ubiña, Alto Rosapero and the Picos Blancos stand out due to their altitude of more than 2,000 meters whilst on the southern edge, La Cañada peak at 2,154 meters is just as impressive.

The land between these two mountainous areas has been shaped by humans and agriculture for many thousands of years and livestock farming using the various altitudes allowed year round food supply.

Population decline, a reduction in livestock farming and the opening of open cast coal mines in the area during the 20th century has also affected the landscape. There are still coal mines open in the area but it is logical to assume that they will close in the near future as renewable energy becomes the mainstream and fossil fuels are left behind.

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Carved by Glaciers

From the high peaks of Babia de Peña Ubiña (2,417 m), Peña Orniz (2,193 m), Montihuero (2,180 m) or Alto de la Cañada (2,157 m), you can observe the mountainous landscape of the Biosphere Reserve of Babia and among the most important glacial features, you can see several lagoons such as Las Verdes in Torre de Babia, Laguna Grande in Lago de Babia or Lake Chao in Riolago de Babia. You can also see remains of glacial modeling and moraines in the valleys of La Cueta, Torre de Babia and Torrestío.

Star Park (The Starlight Foundation)

In 2013, the Babia Biosphere Reserve started a project to publicize and protect its night skies and without doubt, this is one of the best places in Spain for stargazers. Quite a recent developement, in Spain, a Star Park is a territory that protects its night sky enough to develop observation, educational, cultural or recreational activities, linked to astronomical events (passage of comets, eclipses of the moon and sun, alignment of planets, meteor showers, etc.

The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

Fauna

There is a sporadic but constant presence of the Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the area which acts as a corridor for individuals from the eastern and western nuclei of the Cantabrian populations. (Hence the plan for the “Great Cantabrian Biosphere Reserve”).

Ornithological interest is also high, highlighting the excellent populations of birds linked to alpine environments such as the wall creeper (Trichodroma muraria), grey partridge (Perdix perdix), alpine accentor (Prunella collaris), alpine chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) and white-winged snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis).

Also present (depending on the time of year) is a diverse population of raptors such as the European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus), hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).

Although there is no evidence of its current presence in the area, the Cantabrian grouse or western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) deserves a special mention since there is recent historical data and the area is home to a habitat suitable for this species to flourish.

Walking routes in the Babia Biosphere Reserve

Camino Real de Prégame – This route of about 8 km runs through a section of the old Camino Real de Prégame. The old path linked the town of Quintanilla de Babia with Huergas de Babia. The terrain is quite flat and this route can also be made by bike.
El entorno de Ubiña – This route, of about 14 km starts from either Torrebarrio or Pinos de Babia. The slope from Torrebarrio to Collado del Ranzón is quite steep. The route passes through a high mountain landscape, dominated by grasslands of great beauty. The panoramic views of the entire Babia Biosphere Reserve, as well as the surrounding territories are impressive. From the hill, and for the more adventurous, you can access the peak of Peh.
Lago Chao – This 6km route starts from Riolago de Babia towards Lago del Chao and Laguna del Lago, at the foot of Alto de la Cañada (2,157 m).
Laguna Las Verdes – The 11 km route to the Las Verdes lagoon starts from the town of Torre de Babia. Glacier modeling can be observed at various points along the path showing lateral and frontal moraines formed by the glacier that covered the valley.
Las Fuentes del Sil – The 11 km Fuentes del Sil route starts from the town of La Cueta, and runs along the first section of the Sil river to its source at the foot of Peña Orniz (2,191m).
Majúa – Torrestío – This 12 km route joins the towns of La Majúa and Torrestío runs around the Morronegro peak (2,152 m). From the Col de Queixeiro there are panoramic views of a large part of the Babia Biosphere Reserve including the peaks of Peña Ubiña, Alto de la Cañada and Montihuero.

Information centres

Casa del Parque de Babia y Luna y sede de la Reserva de la Biosfera de Babia

In the village of Riolago de Babia and located in the stunning palace of the Quiñones (who were once the powerful landowners in the area), this information centre has information panels and exhibitions detailing the human presence in the area and the areas long history of livestock farming. There is information about geology, fauna, flora and the best places to visit in the area.

From the A-66 take exit 93 towards Villablino. On the CL-626 continue to the town of Huergas de Babia turning left to Riolago de Babia
From Villablino take the CL-626 towards León to the town of Huergas de Babia, turning right to Riolago de Babia

Website: https://patrimonionatural.org/casas-del-parque/casas-del-parque/casa-del-parque-de-babia-y-luna

Official website for the Babia Biosphere Reserve: https://www.babiabiosfera.es/

Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Iberia Nature Forum

Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!

Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.

Biospheres (MAB) in Spain

Valles de Leza – Jubera – Cidacos and Alhama Biosphere Reserve

July 18, 2023 clive 1 Comment

Region: La Rioja
Declared a biosphere: 2003
Surface area: Almost 123,000 hectares
ZEPA (Special zones for bird protection): Peñas del Iregua, Jubera y Leza, Peñas de Arnedillo, Peña Isasa, Peñalmonte, Sierra de Alcarama and Valle del Alhama.
Towns and villages: Aguilar del Río Alhama, Ajamil de Cameros, Arnedillo, Alfaro, Arnedo, Autol, Bergasa, Bergasillas Bajera, Clavijo, Cabezón de Cameros, Cervera del Río Alhama, Cornago, Enciso, Grávalos, Hornillos de Cameros, Igea, Jalón de Cameros, Laguna de Cameros, Leza de Río Leza, Munilla, Muro en Cameros, Muro de Aguas, Navajún, Préjano, Rabanera, Robres del Castillo, San Román de Cameros, Soto en Cameros, Terroba, Torre en Cameros, Valdemadera, Villarroya, Zarzosa, Herce, Lagunilla del Jubera, Ocón, Quel, Ribafrecha, Santa Eulalia Bajera and Santa Engracia del Jubera.

Points of interest

The Valles de Leza – Jubera – Cidacos and Alhama Biosphere Reserve is located in the south eastern part of La Rioja. A mountainous area, the highest peaks reach around 1,600 meters.

The main forest species in this area is holm aak, which can be found in well conserved forests and is mixed with a diverse Mediterranean scrubland. Also present are some beech groves with the most famous being the Santiago forest. The mountainous terrain and river canyons create an ideal habitat for Bonelli’s eagle, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, eurasian eagle owl, peregrine falcon and this area also is home to species such as wild cat and otter. There are also large populations of roe deer, red deer and wild boar.

There are around 180 paleontological sites in the area and in some places, well preserved dinosaur tracks.

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Star Parks – Astronomy and Skywatching

The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

Star and sky watching in the Valles de Leza - Jubera - Cidacos and Alhama Biosphere Reserve — Star and sky watching in the Valles de Leza – Jubera – Cidacos and Alhama Biosphere Reserve

Long distance trail GR-93 Sierras de La Rioja

A good way to get to explore this area is to walk some of the different stages of the GR-93 that cross the Camero Viejo (Leza), the Alto Cidacos and the Alhama-Linares valleys.

Stage 5 – Ortigosa – Laguna de Cameros
Stage 6- Laguna de Cameros – San Román
Stage 7 – San Román de Cameros-Munilla
Stage 8 – Munilla-Enciso
Stage 9 – Enciso-Cornago
Stage 10 – Cornago-Cervera del Río Alhama
Stage 11 – Cervera del Río Alhama-Valverde

Find maps and information about this at the wikiloc website: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/gr-93-sierras-de-la-rioja-3231895

A short video with nice music showing some of the highlights around the Valles de Leza – Jubera – Cidacos and Alhama Biosphere Reserve

Thermal springs

The origins of the use of hot springs in the area date back to the time of the Romans and can be found in the villages of:

Arnedillo: Arnedillo Spa. Pools of hot springs for public use.
Cervera del Río Alhama: La Albotea Spa.
Gravalos: Balneario de Grávalos.
Navajún: the spring of “rotten waters” (Manantial de “aguas podridas”.)

Information / Visitor Centres

There are quite a few municipal information centres in the towns and villages so information is fairly easy to come by in the Valles de Leza – Jubera – Cidacos and Alhama Biosphere Reserve. There are also a few dedicated interpretation centres in the area.

The Paleontology Centre of Enciso

In the town of Enciso and installed in an old shoe factory, this interpretation centre is dedicated to the investigation of the dinosaur remains in La Rioja. See the website here in Spanish http://centropaleontologicodeenciso.org/

The Lost Ravine (Barranco Perdido)

Barranco Perdido is a paleo-adventure park in the town of Enciso where visitors can complement their visit to the important ichnite deposits and the paleontological center of the town.

https://www.barrancoperdido.com/

Contrebia leucade celtiberian city

About 2,5 Km from the village of Aguilar del Río Alhama, the interpretation center for Contrebia leucade, one of the most important celtiberian cities of the Iberia Peninsula dating from the end of the 3rd century BC, is well worth the visit.

http://www.contrebialeucade.com/

The official website for the Valles de Leza – Jubera – Cidacos and Alhama Biosphere Reserve (in Spanish) is here: https://www.larioja.org/medio-ambiente/es/reserva-biosfera