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Revitalizing mountains through agriculture and tourism

23.01.2019

A tourism project that connects organic and regenerative farming producers with tourist centres in the steppe highlands of Alvelal located on the southeast coast of Spain was launched this past November. Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming that increases biodiversity, improves soil and enhances ecosystem services.

The 'Destination AlVelAl' project was created by Mountain Partnership member, AlVelAl association and TUI Care Foundation, part of the TUI group, the world's largest tour operator. AlVelAl is a grassroots association, which works on the empowerment of mountain people through capacity building activities. The objective of 'Destination AlVelAl' is to increase the income of local farmers through sustainable mountain agriculture and the development of supply chains for eight products, such as almonds, wine, extra virgin olive oil, honey and Segureño lamb.

The project enables local farmers to transition from organic to regenerative farming, improve mountain soil fertility, promote the sustainable use of water and produce high quality certified food. High quality food is produced through an integrated agro-ecosystem called ‘almendrehesa’ which combines woody crops with aromatic herbs, beekeeping and sustainable grazing.

‘Destination AlVelAl’ aims to increase income for the local community by developing supply chains that connect local mountain producers with the tourism industry and promote the AlVelAl territory as a tourist destination. Agriculture and livestock workshops are also being offered to introduce regenerative agriculture, soil management and promotion of mountain areas.

As a part of the project, 60 local Spanish restaurants will be advised to use local products and gastronomy workshops will be taught by renowned chefs, several Michelin star ones. Both, agriculture and gastronomy workshops will help tourists gain knowledge on the value of local products and the lifestyle of southeast Spain through restoration and agro-livestock.

Lastly, to encourage gastronomy, cultural and nature tourism, an application will be created for smartphones that shows numerous tourist resources in the five regions that make up Alvelal in eastern Andalusia and Murcia to invite tourists to learn about the authenticity of this littleknown area. 

The AlVelAl association and TUI Care Foundation share the philosophy that the tourism industry has the power to create change towards a safer and more prosperous life.

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News and photo by the AlVelAl association