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EU Demo on ICZM: Integrated management of the Algarve-Huelva coast-Portugal
Case Study |
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The Asociación de Municipios Hispano-Lusa (ANAS) represents 30 municipalities from Algarve province in Portugal and Huelva province in Spain with a population of 600 000. ANAS was established to coordinate strategic development between the generally small municipalities strung out along 400 km of coast and to tackle problems of social and economic cohesion. Varying rates of development have affected the coast in different ways. West of Faro, the Algarve is a centre for international tourism centred on Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos and characterised by intensive urban development. In recent years, both numbers of visitors and relative spend have levelled off; hence the interest in adding value through sports tourism, eco-tourism and cultural tourism. To the east of Faro, and especially across the Spanish border in Huelva, tourism is much less developed, most people being employed in the production of citrus fruits and strawberries, although there is high seasonal unemployment. Between Faro and Huelva the coast is characterised by a succession of sand bars which, although with potential for beach holidays, are of inestimable value to wildlife and the locally important inshore fishing industry. East of Huelva, an industrial town at the confluence of the Rio Odiel and the Rio Tinto, lie the wild marshlands of the Doñana National Park. The opportunity for developing sustainable tourism in Huelva and avoiding the excessive development of parts of the Algarve is central to the demonstration project. |
Recreation and Tourism |
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Mr Juan Manuel de Marco Asociación de Municipios Hispano-Lusa Rua Jornal do Algarve 24 C 8900 Vila Real de Sto. António PORTUGAL Telephone: +351-281-511488 Fax: +351-281-511663 E-Mail: np74bm@mail.telepac.pt |
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EU TERRA network no.13 Coastlink |
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