Geodiversity and Hydrological Patrimony in High Mountain Areas. Gredos Range: Béjar and El Barco Massifs, Spain. Inventory and Cataloguing

Abstract

The Sierra de Gredos mountain range is located to the east of the central plateau and separates the basins of the Rivers Duero and Tajo; the tectonic massifs of Béjar and El Barco are formed at the western end. This mountain chain presents great geological, biological and landscape diversity, acknowledged by the declaration of parts of its territory as Protected Natural Spaces (PNS): Gredos Regional Park, Los Infiernos Nature Reserve, Natura 2000 Space (ZEPA and LIC) and Biosphere Reserve. In the Béjar and El Barco massifs, many of the water-related features provide knowledge and interpretation of their natural and social history and are a source of quality of life for their inhabitants and visitors, thus forming part of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony, which require conservation. In spite of the legal protection regime, there is currently a risk of degradation and/or destruction of the most fragile values. To facilitate its sustainable management, an inventory of the Hydrological Patrimony was drafted, mapped in GIS, with 35 A/L/PGI_H, among which are included: glacial lagoons, waterfalls, rapids, summit peat bogs and a snow well. Educational itineraries are designed for their revaluation, helping promote their conservation through knowledge.