Evolution of the Central Pyrenees SES

Editor's note 20Mar14: Source D132-2.1

Based on environmental, social, economic, responses, LEDD issues, and political characteristics, the following two major states of the SES of the Central Pyrenees can be identified.

Agro-pastoral society (pre 1980s)

In the period 1900-1930, human and livestock populations are stable. After the civil war (1936-1939) and until 1980, the human population and the number of livestock decline. Sheep are the most abundant livestock species (>60%), with a strong presence of equids. At the end of this period, Spain becomes an EU member and significant changes occur at the regional level. In the Aragon region, agricultural production is intensified by combining maize or sunflower with alfalfa in irrigated lands. Most notably, in the agricultural sector, there is a marked shift from milk to meat production. In Huesca Province the tourism industry begins to grow through various public and private initiatives and the first ski center and associated hotels are constructed near Alto Gallego. Several NATURA2000 parks are also established and operated by the Autonomous Government of Aragon.

Services-based society (post 1980s)

Between 1980 and 2010, the human population increases slightly and cattle farming replaced sheep farming and equids almost disappear. Absence of equids has potentially negative impact on the grasslands-shrubland dynamic as they remove shrub seedlings. There is a clear decline in large livestock units in better connected municipalities, such as Biescas and Sallent del Gállego, attributable to the proximity to ski resorts. Other important municipalities such as Broto or Torla maintain their number of livestock through the 20th Century. The important reduction of livestock in Fanlo is associated to the reduced human population.The construction industry is the dominant economic force and sector in Spain. In Aragon and Huesca, the industry is related primarily to the ski resorts: the AVE-train Madrid to Huesca service starts in 2005 and a new airport in Huesca is completed in 2007. NATURA2000 areas also rise as areas of attraction. In the agricultural sector, some new sheep flocks are introduced but also large works dominate with major irrigation works (dams, channels) being completed and transforming the character of the study site.

Agro-pastoral society (pre 1980s)
Service-based society (post 1980s)

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