Integrated environmental mapping for applying indicators of environmental quality at a multihierarchical level in Mediterranean areas affected by desertification

摘要

This paper presents an integrated environmental mapping of Tabernas (Almeria, Spain), a representative example of Mediterranean areas affected by desertification, where an indicator-based approach for assessing environmental quality at different levels is being tested. The mapping consists of a hierarchical subdivision of the territory based on the combination of several natural and anthropic features (physiographic, geologic, geomorphic, hydrologic, surface processes, and land cover/use characteristics). The hierarchy includes, from larger to smaller subdivisions, natural environments, systems and units. Indicators for assessing environmental quality have been selected for each of these subdivisions. A preliminary assessment of naturalness (an aspect concerning environmental quality) has been carried out in the environments identified (Alhamilla and Filabres Mountains, badlands of the Desert of Tabernas, hills and valley of Tabernas) in the study area. The results show that the badlands of the Desert of Tabernas and the Alhamilla Mountains have very high and high naturalness, respectively. This coincides with the society and environmental authority perception: the Regional Government has recently declared both environments as natural parks. This highlights the importance of naturalness to maintain and promote environmental quality.