Urban-touristic impacts on the aeolian sedimentary systems of the Canary Islands: conflict between development and conservation

Abstract

Aeolian sedimentary systems in the Canary Islands differ significantly from other European and African systems due to their natural characteristics (climate, vegetation and insular isolation). Consequently, their geomorphological processes are unique. In turn, they are areas under high human pressure from touristic development. The aim of this paper is to analyze the impacts of urban-touristic development in four aeolian sedimentary systems in the Canaries: Maspalomas, Corralejo, Lambra and Jable Sur. Spatial and surface changes of variables related to geomorphology and vegetation are obtained by photo-interpretation of historical aerial photography and current orthophotos. The results indicate that the systems affected by urban-touristic development have experienced significant environmental changes. In contrast, the systems that have not been affected by building and construction of infrastructure show minor changes.

Keywords

• aeolian sedimentary systems
• Canary Islands
• conservation
• Corralejo
• environmental changes
• GIS
• Jable Sur
• Lambra
• Maspalomas
• urban-touristic development