Assesment Sierra Nevada 01 2010

Assessment report on
Sierra Nevada Biosphere

Reserve
State of natural resources, socio-economic conditions,
stresses and projected scenarios for the state of natural
resources.
January 2010
GLOBAL CHANGE IN
MOUNTAIN SITES
Consejería de Medio Ambiente

Authors:
Francisco J. Bonet García. Universidad de Granada. fjbonet@ugr.es
Antonio J. Pérez Luque. Universidad de Granada. ajperez@ugr.es
Scientific project cooordinator:

Regino Zamora Rodríguez. Universidad de Granada. rzamora@ugr.es
Biosphere reserve project managers

Javier Sánchez Gutiérrez. Manager of Sierra Nevada Biosphere Reserve.
Consejería de Medio ambiente.
franciscoj.sanchez@juntadeandalucia.es
Ignacio Henares Civantos. Assistant manager of Sierra Nevada

Biosphere Reserve. Consejería de Medio ambiente.
ignaciol.henares@juntadeandalucia.es
Javier Cano-Manuel León. Project director. Consejería de Medio

ambiente. franciscoj.canomanuel@juntadeandalucia.es
Rut Aspizua Cantón. Technical project coordinator. EGMASA. Consejería

de Medio ambiente. raspizua@egmasa.es
Sierra Nevada Global Change Observatory
Contents
Contents
Introduction and objectives 1
Main players involved in the project 2
Socio-economic conditions of people living in Sierra Nevada 3
Biodiversity and overview of ecosystem types of Sierra Nevada 4
State of natural resources

Summary of methodologies applied 6
Key to understand the ecosystem type data sheet 7
High mountain grasslands 8
High mountain shrubland 9
Pine plantations 10
Natural forests 11
Mid mountain shrubland 12
Aquatic systems 13
Information management 14
Dissemination of results 15
Introduction and objectives
Under the name of the “Sierra Nevada Global Change Observatory”, ideas and methodologies proposed by
the GLOCHAMORE project were implemented in this mountain region in 2008. This first phase of the project
lasts two years and is being financed by the Andalusian environmental administration (Department of the
Environment. Regional Government of Andalusia) and by the Spanish Ministry of Environment. Sierra
Nevada’s active participation in the GLOCHAMORE project has greatly helped the inclusion of this project’s
guidelines in the Sierra Nevada Observatory. The selection of environmental variables used for monitoring
is based on this project’s proposed research strategy.
The basic objectives of the Sierra Nevada Global Change Observatory are to:
Define, quantify and characterize natural processes and resources for identifying and differentiating
between natural situations and other situations resulting from global change in any of its multiple
factors. Whenever possible, it will be determined to what extent a certain situation can be attributed
to specific factors.
Characterize acceptable change limits so that it is possible to differentiate between a) recurring
fluctuations and b) long-term changes, as well as detect and interpret anomalies in the shortest time
possible. This will enable a proportionate reaction to changes detected, if necessary.
Supply information for correct planning of management activities aimed at reversing malfunctions
detected in processes and people.
Assess effectiveness and efficiency of management activities carried out in view of any changes
detected in order to propose appropriate adjustments for adaptive management.
Provide reliable information for monitoring the work of other institutions that are responsible for
ensuring the conservation of the Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve, by virtue of international awards
received.
Determine research requirements, relative to any changes detected, that transcend the scope and
objectives of a Natural Processes and Resources Monitoring Program.
Provide useful information to managers and researchers on global change in Sierra Nevada.
Help to disseminate information of general interest that enhances knowledge of the values and
importance of the Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve.
To achieve the above objectives we have organized the Sierra Nevada Global Change Observatory in four
basic pillars:
Long Term Monitoring Program: monitoring of environmental processes to diagnose the state of natural
systems in the face of global change. The guidelines of the GLOCHAMORE program have been followed to
implement this monitoring system. The aim is to carry out a prolonged monitoring of several
environmental variables using scientifically acceptable methodologies.
Specific Tool to Store, Analyze and Consult the Generated Data: a significant amount of varied
information will be generated throughout the project. It is very important to implement mechanisms for
storing this information in an organized way. This greatly aids its interrelation for generating useful
knowledge in the management process.
Adaptive Management: field Laboratory to management using active and adaptive approaches to better
anticipate and respond to changes. The goal of the whole project is to implement an adaptive
environmental management model. This means management results are continuously assessed, with this
assessment determining management objectives. A feedback mechanism is therefore established which
improves the state of natural resources.
Communication Forum: for knowledge sharing among scientists, managers, local stakeholders and
general public. it is vital to implement dissemination mechanisms for both the results of the work and the
methodologies and experience acquired during the project.
1
Main players involved
GLOCHAMORE Project
The project has three levels of involvement of three
different stakeholders: International level
(GLOCHAMORE), national (Global change
monitoring in Spanish National Parks) and
Regional level (the Sierra Nevada Global Change
Observatory). This multi-scale work is done by the
same working team, as can be seen in the below National level (MARM-OAPN; FB)
organization chart
Global Change monitoring
programme in National Parks: 8
multiparametric stations
Sierra Nevada Global

Change Observatory.
Working Team Regional Level (CMA)
Monitoring program. 30 thematic
areas. Implementing the
GLOCHAMORE research
strategy. More than 20 people
involved
Sierra Nevada Biosphere Reserve
Environmental management
company
Centro Andaluz de Medio Ambiente.

Research center
2
Socio-economic conditions of people living in Sierra Nevada
Socio-economic Variables
Population density
Granada
Ski resort
20 Km
The map shows the population density with high values in red and low in green. 30
Population Density Protected area
Population density is highest in the proximity of larger towns (northwest). There
(Inhabitant per Km2) City centres
are 61 municipalities in the protected area, where live 90.000 people. The most 0
important economic activities are: agriculture, tourism, beekeeping, mining and
skiing.
18.4
NQ
14.5 Population ageing (%)
Population with Resident’s Rights:

The population size decreased at the period of 60 to 90. After that time
Age pyramid it gradually increases without reaching the record high (year 1940)
1400 300
Duration of the ski season) x 1000
45 % NQ 1200 250
Skiing days (Nº of visitors *
36 %
1000 200
800 150
Activity Rate (%) has
increased in the last 20 years 600 100
400 50
Skiing days / trend
Services 200 First day with snow per year / trend
0
Last day with snow per year / trend
Construction 0
92- 93- 94- 95- 96- 97- 98- 99- 00 01- 02- 03- 04- 05- 06- 07- 08-
Industry 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09
Agriculture Skiing days vs. natural snow duration in the skiing resort (MODIS
images). Although the skiing days are increasing, the duration of the
Employment per sector (%) snow seems to decrease in the last 10 years. This means that the artificial
snow will be more important in the future. 3
Biodiversity and overview of ecosystems types of Sierra Nevada
Ecosystem types
20 Km
Mid mountain
shrublands
High mountain The map shows the spatial distribution of the
grasslands ecosystem types that we have defined in
Area (Has)
Sierra Nevada. The vegetal landscape is

dominated by pine plantations, moors and
heathlands. Natural forests are also abundant,
and as we will describe later, are regenerating
from decades of misuse (wood extraction,
fires, overgrazing, etc.).
Biodiversity
Vegetal diversity of Sierra Nevada Vegetal endemicity of Sierra Nevada
This mountain hosts 2100 vascular plants, representing 25% of the Spanish Sierra Nevada is one of the most important hotspots of vegetal diversity in
flora and 20% of the European flora. the Mediterranean basin
Sierra Nevada
(66) Spain
Rate Nº Vegetal Species / Area Germany Poland UK Italy
(1500)
Austria (700)
(3) (15)
0.5 1 (2) (25) Israel
(55)
Sierra Nevada. 2100 species. 2000 Km2

Spain. 8400 species. 0.5 mill. Km2
Size of circle is proportional to the Area of the country
1 10 100 1000 10000
Number of endemic plants (log scale)
Europe. 10400 species. 11 mill. Km2 6 10
Number of fauna
species per phylum 20 145
47
3500
Fishes
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Invertebrates
Diversity % endemisms
The base map shows the phytocenotic diversity of ecosystems. This index is a combination of the structural High
diversity (number of vegetal strata per ecosystem) and de diversity of habitats (number of Natura 2000 12%
habitats per ecosystem). Natural forests reach the maximum value in this index. Meanwhile, high mountain
pastures and shrublands are not very diverse under this point of view.
The isolines show the percentage of flora endemicity. Some areas close to the summits have the highest Low
percentages, around 70-80% of the present species. 4
State of natural resources
Next pages show one data sheet per ecosystem type. This sheet shows the
main biophysical features that define that ecosystem, the most important
ecosystem services and some case studies about adaptive management.
5
Summary of methodologies applied
The figures shown in the next pages were obtained by applying different methodologies. In
the next paragraphs we summarize the most relevant ones. We are also describing the
datasets used to obtain the figures.
1 Climatic variable obtained from the analysis of the data coming from weather stations.
Time series from 1960 to 1990.
2 Predicted values of climatic variables obtained by regional climate scenarios

(downscaling techniques). Time series from 2011 to 2040.
3 Snow data obtained by remote sensing techniques. Analysis of snow cover products
(MODA10A2) from MODIS sensor (NASA). Time series from 2000 to 2010.
4 Time series analysis of MODIS data, using Mann-Kendall test.
5 Monitoring of ibex (Capra pyrenaica) by means of line transects. Time series from 1960
to 2009.
6 Vegetation map of Sierra Nevada (1:10.000). Interpretation of aerial photos from 2005.
7 Vegetation map of Sierra Nevada (1:10.000). Interpretation of aerial photos from 1956.
8 Ecological niche modeling of high mountain shrublands, using MaxEnt algorithm.
9 Values of biodiversity, tree and understory density obtained from a forestal inventory
made in Sierra Nevada National Park in 2005.
10 Quality of the riparian vegetation measured by the QBR index. Time series from 2001 to
2010.
11 Biological quality of the riparian environment measured by the IBMWP (Iberian

Biological Monitoring Working Party) index. Time series from 2005 to 2010.
12 Fluvial habitat index measured by the IHF (índice del hábitat fluvial). Time series from
2006 to 2010.
13 Monitoring of brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations by means of electric fishing

methodology. Sequential sampling without replacement. Time series from 2000 to
2010.
6
Key to understand the ecosystem type data sheet
Surface in Has
Relevant fact 1
Relevant fact 2
Map showing the spatial

distribution
25 Km of the
ecosystem type
Main biophysical variables

We show different biophysical variables that are considered as important to define de conservation status of a given ecosystem type. The
information is showing taking into account three temporal scenarios:
Past value: The value that the variable takes in the first decades of the XX Century.
Present value: The value that the variable takes in the last decades of the XX Century.
Future value: The expected value that the variable will take in the first half of the XXI Century.
Past value Present day value Future value Red color means that the
value is considered
negative for the state of
conservation of the
NQ
x y
ecosystem
NQ: Not quantified yet 2
Shows the methodology used to obtain the

value and the main features of the raw data
used to obtain it.
Main ecosystem services
Listing of the most relevant ecosystem services for each ecosystem type.
Adaptive management
Case studies that demonstrate adaptive management actions in relation to each ecosystem type
7
State of natural resources: High mountain grassland
15.200 Has
High mountain grasses

(Poaceae, Resedaceae, etc.)
Snow cover, wind and

abiotic factors are the main
drivers of its ecological
25 Km dynamic
NQ 9.4 NQ
1312 1282 7.8 124
1 NQ 1
2
3 NQ
2
4
Annual rain is expected to be reduced Average annual temperature is Average snow cover duration (days). The
in the next decades, from 1312 l/m2y in expected to be increased in the next trend is negative if we analyze the last
1960-1990, to 1282 in 2011-2040. decades, from 7.8 ºc in 1960-1990, to decade. The reduction in the snow cover
9.4ºC in 2011-2020 duration hasn’t been quantified yet
45 50
3 5 NQ NQ NQ NQ
NQ NQ
5 5
Demographic trend of Capra pyrenaica Estimated demographic trend of Vipera Climate change is expected to provoke
in Sierra Nevada (ibex number / Km2). latasti in Sierra Nevada. This viper was a reduction in the occupation area of
Given the scarcity of predators, this frequently found in the high this ecosystem. We have not quantified
species is being managed through an grasslands. The decreasing trend is this process yet.
integrated plan involving the explained by the habitat deterioration.
population and health controls.
Stockbreeding Water regulation Rocks for traditional building Recreational uses
Adaptive management
One of the most important management task done in order to improve the conservation status of high mountain grasslands is the
restoration of the landscape. Those actions try to minimize the impact of past human activities, such are the building of infrastructures,
accumulations of waste and destruction of the vegetal cover.
Some of the restoration activities are:
Topographic restoration of roads
Removal of solid waste in the high grassland
Asphalt removal in more than 3500 m
Restoration of vegetal cover
Restricting motorized vehicle access to the high

Veleta summit before the Veleta summit after the activities peaks
restoration activities that removed infrastructures
(antennas, roads, etc.)
8
State of natural resources: High mountain shrublands
36.000 Has
Thorny shrubs, juniper and

high mountains shrubland
It is the highest woody

ecosystem of Sierra
Nevada. Its distribution
seems to be determined by
25 Km snow cover
NQ 10.1 NQ
1221 1195 8.7 90 NQ
1 NQ 1
2
3
2 4
Annual rain is expected to be reduced Average annual temperature is Average snow cover duration (days). The
in the next decades, from 1221 l/m2y in expected to be increased in the next trend is negative if we analyze the last
1960-1990, to 1195 in 2011-2040. decades, from 10.4 ºc in 1960-1990, to decade. The reduction in the snow cover
11.7ºC in 2011-2020 duration hasn’t been quantified yet
Poqueira river valley Present distribution

36000 19600
NQ 200 NQ 24700 6
Potential distribution with
6 future climate (expansion
7 8 area)
Average number of plant species found Occupation area (has) of this ecosystem. Potential distribution with
in this ecosystem. We have not Decrease of wildfires and over grazing present climate and with
quantified it yet, but we believe that explain the increased surface from 1956 future climate
there won’t be important changes in to present day. Climate change scenarios
the next decades predicts a loss of 30% of its potential Potential distribution only
with present climate
habitat in the next decades. 2 Km (contraction area)
Fruit collection Soil conservation Recreational uses Stockbreeding

Aromatic and medicinal plants Carbon sink
Adaptive management
This ecosystem can be considered as threatened due to the climate change and land use changes in the last decades. In order to avoid the
loss of its distribution area and to improve the conservation status of the ecosystem, we are implementing active and adaptive management
actions. These actions are taking into account concepts that are new in the environmental management of Sierra Nevada, such are the
uncertainty and the dynamic vision of the future. We are also trying to transfer the best scientific available knowledge to the design and
implementation of these actions. Some of them are outlined in this representation.
Selection of places to plant that are

Creation of dispersion nuclei that resume some of the ecosystem functions suitable both for the present and for
Using thorny shrubs as Protecting the Planting a combination the future climatic scenarios
nurse plants when seedlings and saplings of species with different
planting junipers, removing temporally ecological strategies
Try to avoid the degradation of taking advantage of the the herbivory
the areas not suitable with the facilitation processes
future climate scenarios Expansion area:
improving their availability of Potential distribution
water from traditional irrigation with future climate
ditches.
Juniper: Juniperus sp.

Broom: Genista sp., Cytisus sp., Erinacea, etc.
Contraction area: Not suitable area with future climate Potential distribution area with both present and future climate 9
State of natural resources: Pine plantations
40.000 Has
Planted between 1930-1980

to minimize soil loss in
deforested areas
They are being replaced by

natural vegetation, thanks
to adaptive management
25 Km actions (partial clear-cuts)
NQ 12 NQ
1005 992 11 53
1 NQ 1
2
3
NQ
2
4
Annual total rain is expected to be Average annual temperature is Average snow cover duration (days). The
reduced in the next decades, from 1005 expected to be increased in the next trend is negative if we analyze the last
l/m2y in 1960-1990, to 992 in 2011- decades, from 10.4 ºc in 1960-1990, to decade. The reduction in the snow cover
2040. 11.7ºC in 2011-2020 duration hasn’t been quantified yet,
although it seems to be less important
than in other ecosystems.
NQ 913 40000
19 NQ
NQ 9
9 NQ 6
0 1000
7
Average number of plant species. The Average density of the tree cover Occupation area (has) of this ecosystem.
diversity was lower in the past because (number of trees per Ha). It is expected Most of the plantations were done during
of the high erosion rate and misuse of to decrease due to the management the 60-70 decades of past century.
the natural resources. Will be higher actions (parcial clear-cuts). Thanks to the management actions, the
due to the adaptive management. surface will decrease in next decades,
becoming mixed pine-oak forests.
Biomass, wood and firewood production Soil conservation Hunting
Mushrooms production Protection against floods Recreational uses
Carbon sink
Adaptive management
As previously described, this ecosystem is being replaced by natural vegetation, that is much more resilient and better adapted to the
natural features of the landscape. Clear-cuts are the most important management actions that are driving these “artificial forests” to a
more natural state. The following map shows the approximate year in which each plantation was done. We also shows the places where the
clear-cuts have taken place. The graph shows the number of hectares treated by clear-cuts per year.
Plantation year Clear-cut area (has)

1935 1964-1965 1.6-20
1936-1948 1966-1969 20-41
41-87
1949-1957 1970-1973
87-205
1958-1959 1974-1976
1960-1963 1977-1980 205-397
2600
1300
339 589
383 380
56
1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008
10
State of natural resources: Natural forests
15.000 Has
Mainly holm oak (Quercus

ilex) and pyrenean oak (Q.
pyrenaica) forests.
Land use changes in the

past is the most important
driver in present days.
25 Km
15000
NQ 13 12000 NQ
935 925 11.6 6
1 NQ 1
2
2 7
Occupation area (has) of this ecosystem. The

Annual rain is expected to be reduced Average annual temperature is observed increase is explained by the
in the next decades, from 935 l/m2y in expected to be increased in the next abandonment of the rural areas in the last
1960-1990, to 925 in 2011-2040. decades, from 11.6 ºc in 1960-1990, to decades.
13ºC in 2011-2020
400 m
NQ NQ
524 280
NQ 9
NQ 9
Average density of the tree cover Average density of the shrubs below
(number of trees per Ha). It is expected the tree canopy (number of plants per
to increase due to the regeneration Ha). It is expected to increase due to
processes after the abandonment of the regeneration processes after the Marginal crops in 1956 Regeneration of Q.
(Dilar river valley) pyrenaica forest in 2009
the rural areas abandonment of the rural areas

Honey production Firewood production Hunting
Mushrooms production Soil conservation Recreational uses
Carbon sink
Adaptive management
Land use changes in the last decades are still affecting even the ecological dynamics and structure of natural forests in Sierra Nevada. In the
50s of the last century, overgrazing and charcoal extraction resulted in degradation of soil and vegetation cover. After the abandonment of
these rural activities, oaks began a process of resprouting, which led to the present situation where the trees look like bushes and there is
not understory vegetation. Forestry actions of pruning will improve the structure of the forest by removing the side shoots and promoting the
formation of well-structured trees.
Trees with lots of side shoots. Bush-like trees.
No acorn production. Resprouting is the only Trees have a good structure after the removal of
Trees with little foliage due to way of reproduction. Age structure of the forest side shoots. They produce acorns. Understory
the overgrazing. No understory is homogeneous. The system is not resilient to vegetation begins to re-colonize the land. The
vegetation. Erosion gullies. climate change system is more resilient.
1950: Intense human activity in the forest. Present: abandonment of rural Future: restoration of the “original” 11
Charcoal extraction. Overgrazing activities structure of the forest
State of natural resources: Mid mountain shurbland
30.000 Has
Shrubland with aromatic

(Rosmarinus, Thymus) and
some pyrophytes species
(Ulex, Cistus, etc.)
Its ecological dynamic is
determined by recurrent
wildfires and grazing.
25 Km
NQ 14.3 42000
790 788 13 30000 NQ
1 2 NQ 1
2
7 6
Annual rain is expected to be reduced The increase of mean temperature Occupation area (has) of this ecosystem. Pine
in the next decades, from 790 l/m2y in in the next decades could be one forests were planted over highly degraded
1960-1990, to 788 in 2011-2040. of the most important stress shurblands. This explain the decrease in the
factors to this ecosystem. occupation area. In the future this surface could
increase due to the naturalization process of pine
plantations.
NQ NQ
NQ NQ 500 m
NQ NQ
Evolution of rabbit populations. This Density of the shrubland. The

important prey species has suffered a abandonment of the land has
continuous decline in the last decades. provoked a increase in the density.
This situation is expected to continue We have not quantified this
in the next years. process yet.
Degradated shrubland Pine plantations in

in 1956 2009
Honey production Stockbreeding Hunting
Aromatic and medicinal plants Soil conservation Recreational uses
Adaptive management
Beekeeping is a good example of adaptive management. The environmental managers offer to the beekeepers some places to establish
their apiaries. This assignment of land is free for the beekeeper, since it is taken into account that beekeeping contributes to plant
pollination. The map shows the suitability of the land in order to host apiaries. This map is based in a model that has taken into account
some determinant factors such are rain, temperature, accessibility, water availability, and presence of honey flora. Green colors represent
areas with high suitability, while red colors represents areas unsuitable for the installation of apiaries.
Green areas show places with a
higher suitability. Black circles show
the distribution of apiaries in Sierra
Nevada. The size is proportional to
the number of hives per apiaries.
The most interesting result of this
model is that there are several places
in Sierra Nevada that could be
occupied by apiaries under an
adaptive management scenario.
12
State of natural resources: Aquatic systems
1.700 Has
Mountain rivers, glacial

lakes, irrigation ditches,
riparian forests, etc.
An important part of the

water that transport comes
from the melting of snow in
25 Km spring and summer.
NQ NQ NQ
80 142 76
NQ 10
NQ 11
NQ 12
Average ecological quality of riparian Biological quality of riparian Fluvial habitat index. Shows the
environment (index QBR. From 0 to 100) environment (index IBMWP. From 0 to heterogeneity and the structural diversity of
in Sierra Nevada. The abandonment of 200). This index considers the diversity the habitat (from 0 to 100). It is supposed to
the rural areas and the management and abundance of macroinvertebrates increase due to the improvements in the
actions have helped to enhance the in the river. It is supposed to increase water flow of the rivers.
conservation status of riparian forests. due to the adaptive management of the
system.
NQ 100% 1700 NQ
13
NQ 6
7
Increase in the total length of trout The increase of the occupied area is
(Salmo trutta) populations (in %). probably due to the abandonment of
Management actions will improve the the rural areas closed to the rivers.
conservation status of this species in Restoration activities are also helping
the next decades. to increase the occupation area of
aquatic systems in Sierra Nevada.
Degraded riparian forest in Regenerated riparian forest
1956 (Dílar river) in 2009 (Dílar river)
Drinking and Sport fishing Water regulation Energy production Recreational uses
irrigation water
Adaptive management
Sierra Nevada rivers have a strong representation of the brown trout (Salmo trutta). These populations represent the southern limit of
this species in Europe. This has led to the existence of particular genetic patterns in Sierra Nevada. Several decades ago, fishers
introduced adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) specimens. This species is native in Northwest America and it behaves as an
invasive species in Mediterranean rivers.
At present, the alien species is a major threat to native trout conservation. The management actions try to improve the conservation
status of brown trout and the gradual eradication of populations of rainbow trout.
Management methodology to improve the conservation status of brown trout
Disease transmission Delimiting the extent of rainbow trout populations.

Alien species: Rainbow
trout (Oncorhynchus Predation of juveniles Reducing the presence of refugees for the rainbow trout in
mykiss) the river.
Competition for food and habitat
Raking spawning grounds to avoid the reproduction success
Reproductive interference of rainbow trout
Extraction of rainbow trout by electrofishing.

Autoctonous species: Reinforcement of brown trout populations.
Brown trout (Salmo
trutta) 13
Information management
The global change observatory is generating a huge amount of data and information that should be
translated to useful knowledge that helps to improve the way we manage the natural resources of
Sierra Nevada. In order to achieve this main objective, we are designing and implementing an
Information System. The objectives of this information system are:
Store in an organized and normalized way all the information generated by the Sierra Nevada
Global Change Observatory.
Design tools to improve the way users access the stored information. This is one of the most
important weakness of the information systems.
Develop methodologies to analyze the raw information in order to obtain useful knowledge.
Design and implement an indicator system able to supplying information about the state of
the natural resources (in past, present and future scenarios), main stress factors and main
response management actions.
k
n Indicator system What if?
o Simple indexes In a more advanced
w showing the present phase, we should be able
l status, the historical Data warehouse to model the behavior of
e trend and the the system taking into
d predicted status of a • Personalized multithematic account the present
g given ecosystem. reports knowledge of its
• Complex analysis (OLAP) dynamic.
e
• Datamining
Structured information Structured information

i
n
f •Adding and editing data Wiki
o •Simple queries
r •Geographic information
m •Time series analysis
•Data mining
a Thematic A Thematic B
t Bibliography
Project manager
i manager
o
n
Unstructured data
d
a
t Data sheets Presentations Databases Videos Texts
a
This diagram shows synthetically some key concepts of the information system we are developing. The
raw data taken from the field (climate, fauna, flora, vegetation, etc..) are structured in relational
databases. In addition, reports, slide shows and other data sources are handled by a bibliography
manager, a wiki and a content manager. The information in this platforms is used by a system of
indicators that shows the current status, trend, and the expected situation of the different types of
Sierra Nevada ecosystems.
14
Dissemination of results
Collaborative Framework.
We have created a collaborative framework with training activities, activities dissemination and use of new technologies that are allowing:
• improve acquisition and generation of useful knowledge for the management
• improve collaboration among work teams
• Enhance the dissemination of updated results of the Sierra Nevada Global Change Observatory
Some of de tool used are:
Wiki
Website that allows creation and editing of content easily by multiple Percentage of New
Relevant Data
users. Our wiki complements the coordination actions within the • 24.000 visits (green) and Returning
project and allows shared files and documents, acting as a information • 37 users Visitors (red)
repository. Allows disclosure of updated results to natural resource • 96 pages
managers and to the general public. • 3.44 editions per page
• 9.27 pages view per visit
http://observatoriosierranevada.iecolab.es • 417 shared files
• Location of visits:
- 28 countries
- 157 cities
Temporal variation
of visits (counts)
Location of visits
Bibliographic reference manager

Using an online bibliographic manager helps us to manage all the
bibliographic records used in the project and organize the
documentary sources.
Scientists
Users Field Technicians

Relevant Data
• 54 records Managers
• 41 users
• 2 Training Activities
on use of tool.
http://refbase.iecolab.es
Publication of contents in web 2.0 platformes

Slides and Videos from Conferences, Training
Activities and Workshops of Sierra Nevada Global
Change Observatory in some web 2.0 platforms,
channels or communities:
• SlideShare
• Slideboom platform
• Scivve Science Videos
Views of Slides and Videos of the Meeting “The

value of mountain protected areas in a global
change scenario” Granada, Spain 13 – 15 May 2009
15
Dissemination of results
In order to disseminate the results of the project we combine traditional media (presentations, paper publications, conferences, etc.)
with tools belonging to the Web 2.0. They are a complement to accelerate the transfer of updated scientific knowledge to managers
and society, and improve collaboration between different teams working on the project
Publications, Workshops, Training Activities
Conferences organized by our work team
• “The value of mountain protected areas in a global change

scenario” Granada, Spain 13 – 15 May 2009
http://observatoriosierranevada.iecolab.es/index.php/Jornadas_cambio_global_mayo_2009
• “I Iberoamerican Workshop CYTED: Ecological Interactions and

Global Change. Mechanisms and Patterns”
Granada, Spain, 2 Oct 2009
http://observatoriosierranevada.iecolab.es/index.php/Taller_Iberoamericano_CYTED
• “Climate Change and Protected Areas Summit”

Granada, Spain 16 – 19 Nov 2009
http://observatoriosierranevada.iecolab.es/index.php/Cumbre_sobre_Cambio_Climático_y_Áreas_Protegidas
• “Forest management in a context of Global Change” Granada, Spain

17 – 18 April 2008
http://observatoriosierranevada.iecolab.es/index.php/Jornadas_cambio_global_abril_2008
Articles published in newspapers

Regional Press
Local Media
National Press
Training Activities
Monographs
Information's
Management Tools Some Research Publications
Methodological
2007
Communication
• Aspizua Cantón, R.; Cano, F.J.; Bonet García, F.J.; Zamora, R. & Sánchez
Gutiérrez, J. (2007). Sierra Nevada: Observatorio internacional de seguimiento
del cambio global. Revista Medio Ambiente, 57: 21–25
• Bonet García, F.J.; Aspizua Cantón, R.; Cano, F.J.; Zamora, R. & Sánchez
Gutiérrez, J. (2007). El observatorio de seguimiento del cambio global de Sierra
Nevada (España). In I Congreso Nacional sobre Cambio Global Ambiental. Abril
2007. Madrid.
2009
• Bonet García, F.J. & Cayuela Delgado, L. (2009). Seguimiento de la cubierta de
nieve en Sierra Nevada: tendencias en la última década y posibles implicaciones
ecológicas de las mismas. In IX Congreso Nacional de la Asociación Española de
Ecología Terrestre. Úbeda (Spain), 18-22 Octubre.
• Gómez-Aparicio, L.; Zavala, M.A.; Bonet, F.J. & Zamora, R. (2009). Are pine
plantations valid tools for restoring Mediterranean forests? An assessment
along abiotic and biotic gradients. Ecological Applications, 19 (8): 2124–2141.
• Navarro González, I. & Bonet García, F.J. (2009). Caracterización de la evolución

histórica de la cubierta vegetal y los usos del suelo de Sierra Nevada en un
contexto de cambio global. In IX Congreso Nacional de la Asociación Española de
Ecología Terrestre. Úbeda (Spain), 18-22 Octubre 2009.
• Pérez-Luque, A.J.; Bonet García, F.J. & Zamora Rodríguez, R. (2009).

Herramientas colaborativas para la creación de conocimiento útil para la gestión
en el proyecto de Seguimiento del Cambio Global en Sierra Nevada. In IX
Congreso Nacional de la Asociación Española de Ecología Terrestre. Úbeda
(Spain), 18-22 Octubre 2009.
• Sánchez-Gutiérrez, F.J.; Henares-Civantos, I.; Cano-Manuel León, F.J.; Zamora

Rodríguez, R.; Bonet García, F.J. & Aspizua Canton, R. (2009). El observatorio de
cambio global de Sierra Nevada. Revista Medio Ambiente, 63: 16–19.
16

Assesment Sierra Nevada 01 2010

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Assesment Sierra Nevada 01 2010

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Assessment report on

Sierra Nevada Biosphere

Consejería de Medio Ambiente

Scientific project cooordinator:

Biosphere reserve project managers

Ignacio Henares Civantos. Assistant manager of Sierra Nevada

Javier Cano-Manuel León. Project director. Consejería de Medio

Rut Aspizua Cantón. Technical project coordinator. EGMASA. Consejería

Introduction and objectives 1

Main players involved in the project 2

Socio-economic conditions of people living in Sierra Nevada 3

Biodiversity and overview of ecosystem types of Sierra Nevada 4

State of natural resources

Sierra Nevada Global

Sierra Nevada Biosphere Reserve

Centro Andaluz de Medio Ambiente.

Population with Resident’s Rights:

Sierra Nevada. The vegetal landscape is

Sierra Nevada. 2100 species. 2000 Km2

2 Predicted values of climatic variables obtained by regional climate scenarios

4 Time series analysis of MODIS data, using Mann-Kendall test.

8 Ecological niche modeling of high mountain shrublands, using MaxEnt algorithm.

11 Biological quality of the riparian environment measured by the IBMWP (Iberian

13 Monitoring of brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations by means of electric fishing

Map showing the spatial

Main biophysical variables

NQ: Not quantified yet 2

Shows the methodology used to obtain the

High mountain grasses

Snow cover, wind and

Main biophysical variables

Main ecosystem services

Stockbreeding Water regulation Rocks for traditional building Recreational uses

Some of the restoration activities are:

Topographic restoration of roads

Removal of solid waste in the high grassland

Asphalt removal in more than 3500 m

Restoration of vegetal cover

Restricting motorized vehicle access to the high

Thorny shrubs, juniper and

It is the highest woody

Main biophysical variables

Poqueira river valley Present distribution

Fruit collection Soil conservation Recreational uses Stockbreeding

Selection of places to plant that are

Juniper: Juniperus sp.

Planted between 1930-1980

They are being replaced by

Main biophysical variables

Plantation year Clear-cut area (has)

Mainly holm oak (Quercus

Land use changes in the

Main biophysical variables

Occupation area (has) of this ecosystem. The

Main ecosystem services

Shrubland with aromatic

Main biophysical variables

Evolution of rabbit populations. This Density of the shrubland. The

Degradated shrubland Pine plantations in

Mountain rivers, glacial

An important part of the

Main biophysical variables

Management methodology to improve the conservation status of brown trout

Disease transmission Delimiting the extent of rainbow trout populations.