ALVelAl Landscape
The AlVelAl landscape unites the 5 regions of the Altiplano Estepiario in the Southeast of Spain: Altiplano de Granada, Los Veléz, Alto Almanzora, Guadix and the Northwest of Murcia. In this semi-arid steppe —a transition between desert and forest— water is and always has been scarce. The mountains, countryside, steppe sub-deserts, valleys and meadows of this landscape are naturally challenging areas to produce food and regenerate vegetation. In spite of this, the region’s indigenous communities have a rich history rooted in agricultural and farming traditions. The territory is known worldwide for its production of high-quality rainfed almonds and for the herding of Segureño lamb, an activity with a protected geographical indication. Faced with threats of depopulation, desertification, and lack of opportunities, the AlVelAl association formed in 2014, igniting a movement that brought farmers, livestock breeders, businessmen and women, traders, researchers and citizens together to build a more prosperous future for the landscape. Together, the LP promotes the regeneration of the landscape through the restoration of ecosystems, regenerative agriculture and economic revitalization. AlVelAl has already established a 20-year master plan to support the ongoing transformation of the Altiplano landscape. The use of collaborative methods such as participatory mapping, joint assessments of challenges and opportunities and the co-development of business cases has been key to arrive at this strategic roadmap. AlVelAl joined 1000 Landscapes as a seasoned veteran of implementing the landscape approach in their partnership hoping to offer insights and guidance to the initiatives budding landscape partnerships while strengthening its own.