Food plan in Marinas Corunesas Biosphere Reserve
Where we are
In the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Cantabrian-Atlantic coast of Galicia, you can find the Mariñas Coruñesas Biosphere Reserve. Consisting mainly of two large river basins belonging to the rivers Mero and Mandeo, the natural landscape is characterized by the connection between inland and coastal water. Green riverbank woodlands, widespread wetlands and typical Atlantic forests are common here. The area also has a wide cultural diversity closely based on the use of natural resources and local food production (fertilisers, honey production, etc.). All this has enabled the continuation of the area’s communities and the conservation of local livestock breeds.
Territory
Historically, the municipalities that make up the Mariñas Coruñesas Biosphere Reserve have mainly produced food for the city of A Coruña. Unfortunately, over the last couple of decades agricultural activities are being abandoned more and more often. This has resulted in the relocation and industrialization of food production, being increasingly internationalized, and has increased the sales through large supermarkets instead of the local shops. Additionally, the abandonment of these agrarian lands increases the risk of fires, rural depopulation, loss of biodiversity and destruction of the landscape and cultural elements.
Rural Heritage
The Mariñas Coruñesas Biosphere Reserve works to promote the Food Plan, encouraging young people to see organic agriculture as an employment opportunity. The Food Plan also stimulates people who want to get involved in agricultural activity but do not have land to access them. It encourages the consumption of organic products among the local population and in schools. Finally, the Food Plan promotes the recovery and use of native varieties and agricultural biodiversity.
