The Olive Groves of Andalusia: Analysis of the Dynamics Through Heritage, Identity (Inhabitants) and Tourism in the UNESCO Inscriptions’ Process

Abstract

In Spain, although olive groves are found throughout most of the country, they are most concentrated in Andalusia. Cultivated since ancient times, the olive tree is now a highly strategic economic sector for this southern region of the Iberian Peninsula. Andalusia is supporting a UNESCO candidature, part of which extends over an area known as "el mar de olivos", forming a landscape of 70 million olive trees, making it the largest tree plantation in Europe. The contemporary development of this mono-agriculture has had a considerable impact on lifestyles, local industry and the heritage of several cities (Granada, Cordoba, Jaén), shaping the cultural and social identity of the area. Today, the Andalusian olive grove has gone far beyond its traditional agricultural definition. Indeed, this intangible heritage and its preservation (know-how and landscape) have played a crucial role in the recognition of identity and memory claimed by the inhabitants during the inscription process. This article examines the heritage dynamics of this olive-growing landscape in relation to UNESCO, as well as the participation of local people during the inscription process and the tourist alternatives (routes) on the fringes of the major Andalusian World Heritage cities (Cordoba, Granada and Seville), based on the documents used for the inscription application.

Keywords

• UNESCO
• Tourism
• Heritage
• Inhabitant
• Cultural Landscape