La diversidad paisajística del olivar como recurso turístico: una propuesta basada en la provincia de Jaén (España)

Abstract

The olive tree is a symbol of the Mediterranean culture and a paradigm of adaptation to its peculiar ecology. As a result of the manifold combinations between environments and cultivation methods; abundant heritage assets and a wide diversity of landscapes can be recognized; promoting initiatives for their institutional recognition at the regional and international level (UNESCO World Heritage List and FAO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems FAO). In the south of Spain; the antiquity; continuity and magnitude of the olive grove is offered as an ideal scenario to explore the possibilities that the contemplation and compression of such landscapes can have as a tourist resource. In this work; from the conjugation of several geographical criteria (altitude and slope; soil quality; cultivation system; inclusion in protected natural spaces); a basic thematic cartography of the olive groves in the province of Jaén is shown. From them a synthesis map has been made in which 4 large categories of olive landscapes are identified; whose purpose is to facilitate interpretation by potential visitors. To this end; adequate venues have been located for the installation of thematic viewpoints; in the expectation that the provision of adequate equipment will make them references in order to expand and give greater meaning to the growing range of resources offered to oleoturists.