Proposal of natural resources management focused on conservation and restoration in the lower section of Guadairilla river (Seville, Spain)

Abstract

This paper shows a proposal of management for the conservation and restoration of
the lower basin of Guadarilla River, a tributary of Guadaíra (Guadalquivir basin). This is
based on a methodology for natural resources management focused on the identification
of environmental units under management from the analysis of geomorphological,
hydrological and biogeographic elements and their changes along the time line. These
changes produce areas of progression, stability or regression of the surface distribution
of riparian plant communities that still remain in this river. A proposal of zoning based on
the analysis of changes and the field knowledge about floristic and structural composition
of riparian plant communities of Guadairilla River. This zoning is focused on three levels:
management, conservation and restoration. The analysis shows the ability of environmental
regeneration of thermo-mediterranean riverbanks when human pressure decreases and
what would be the response of the environment to a land use planning designed with a
sustainable criterion.