16th Annual Colloquium of the IGU Commission
on the Sustainability of Rural Systems - 2008
New ruralities and sustainable use of territory
Jaca-Zaragoza-Teruel, August 4th-8th, 2008
Dear colleagues,
The Local Organizing Committee of the International Colloquium of the IGU-CSRS is pleased to send you this first invitation as well as the presentation of the colloquium and its main theme.
You are invited to participate actively in the workshops and round tables planned for the colloquium. This international meeting will be held in the Conference Hall in Jaca, the Faculty of Human and Socials Sciences in Teruel, and in the University of Saragossa, from August 4th to 8th 2008. The organization of the colloquium is being coordinated in collaboration with the IGU Commission on the Sustainabilityof Rural Systems.
The members of the local organizing committee are: Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Departamento de Geografía y Ordenación del Territorio, Grupo de Estudios Territoriales de la Universidad de Zaragoza (GEDETUZ), Grupo de Geografía Rural, Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles (AGE).
Theme: New ruralities and sustainable use of territory
Five-day colloquium, including three days of scientific presentations and two days of excursion (High basin of the Gállego, Expo Zaragoza 2008 and Albarracín).
Languages: English, French and Spanish (there will be a summarized translation).
Registration costs per person and per couple during the colloquium
One participant: 700 Euros
Couple: 1.050 Euros.
This amount covers lodging, food, documentation for the colloquium and the field trip costs during the colloquium.
Young researchers who wish to participate by giving papers and who do not have the means to cover registration costs for the colloquium should send a request to the Local Organizing Committee who will try to find funding for them, in conjunction with its partners.
Form of payment:
The first instalment (50%) is due on the 15th March 2008 and the second and final instalment (50%) before May 31st 2008.
The instalments are to be sent to the account of Summer Courses of University of Saragossa:
3021-9296-81-2244472821
Cod. SWIFT: BCOEESMM021
Cod. IBAN: ES46 30219296812244472821
CAJALÓN, c/Coso, nº 29 E-50003 Saragossa, Spain
Local Organizing Committee
Prof. Luisa María FRUTOS MEJIAS (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Pilar BOROBIO ENCISO (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Ana CASTELLÓ PUIG (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Eugenio CLIMENT LÓPEZ (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Ana ESCALONA ORCAO (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Helena GINÉ ABAD (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Mª Luz HERNÁNDEZ NAVARRO (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Blanca LOSCERTALES PALOMAR (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Pascual RUBIO TERRADO (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Prof. Enrique RUIZ BUDRÍA (GEDETUZ, Dpto. de Geografía, Univ. de Zaragoza).
Please accept our best wishes.
For the Local Organizing Committee For the IGU Organizing Committee
Luisa Mª Frutos Mejías Ana Maria S.M. Bicalho
Colloquium Coordinator Lucette Laurens
Registration Form
Surname and First Name:
Title:
University (Faculty, Institute) or other institution:
Department:
Postal Address (city, country, postal code):
Telephone and Fax Numbers:
E-mail:
Title of Paper:
Abstract (one page: maximum 40 lines)
Final Date for Registration:
Registration Form and Abstract: 15th March 2008 (first instalment also due on this date)
Address for Correspondence:
Luisa Maria Frutos Mejías
Eugenio Climent López
Enrique Ruíz Budría
Universidad de Zaragoza
Facultad de Filosofía y Letras
Departamento de Geografía y Ordenación del Territorio
C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12
50009-Zaragoza (Spain)
Tel 34976761000 Ext. 4021
Fax: 34 976 76 15 06
E-mail:
Presentation of the International Colloquium of the IGU Commission on the Sustainability of Rural Systems
Theme of the Colloquium:
New ruralities and sustainable use of territory
Jaca-Zaragoza-Teruel, August 4th-8th, 2008
Themes for debate and discussion concerning sustainability in rural areas
General Framework: Main theme
The new rurality and sustainable territorial development
In the last decades, the evolution of rural areas has accelerated throughout the world in the search for strategies which allow the inhabitants to enjoy an improved quality of life. Agricultural activity, that has for centuries provided the principal socio-economic support structure, has proved itself to be incapable of sustaining this development. In most countries, local institutions and actors, in a more or less concerted manner and to varying degrees, have oriented their interests toward the diversification and use of resources. As a result, we can speak of the gradual consolidation of the "new rurality". However, these initiatives have not always taken the sustainability of their actions into account: sustainability being understood as the balance between society, the economy and the environment. The different presentations made as part of this colloquium will identify and illustrate the dynamism, sustainability, successes and failures of the contemporary rural world.
Sub-themes:
1. The concept of sustainability in rural areas and its analytical and methodological implications
The study of the sustainability of actions in rural areas requires the previous clarification of two conceptual problems: the definition of rural (or rurality) and the definition of sustainability. Despite attempts to clarify content, the concepts are still somewhat ambiguous, especially in the developed countries; the terms "sustainability" and "sustainable development" have been given multiple interpretations, from the most environmental to the most social and economic. Furthermore, the analysis of sustainability in rural development has been undertaken by means of widely varied methodological perspectives, depending on the ideological position of the researcher, the scale of the work and the tools and techniques available; some studies have used statistical methods and models whilst others have involved participative research, obtaining qualitative or quantitative information. The presentations in this sub-theme will take up these issues, clarifying concepts and identifying methodologies for analysis.
2. Experience and good practices of sustainable development in rural areas
Since the mid-1990s, a number of institutions and organisations concerned with sustainable development have collected and disseminated development experiences that have been catalogued as good practices. The international community and the United Nations in particular, have defined good practices as having the following characteristics: sustainability from an environmental, economic and socio-cultural point of view, considering the consequences of the effective interaction between the different local development actors – public, private and civil; its most visible result being the impact on the quality of life of the population. The diffusion of these good practices allows the cooperation and integration of territories, forming networks that are able to confront the most important challenges of sustainable development, especially in the most vulnerable environments. Within this framework, the presentations will look at questions related to sustainable development in rural areas, both public and private, included in the Agenda 21 programmes.
3.Agricultural policies and sustainable development
The redefinition of the role played by agriculture in rural areas is, in part, a response to new societal demands. As well as its productive function we must also consider the social, territorial and environmental dimensions: agriculture has a multifunctional character and its contribution to endogenous sustainable rural development must be revaluated. Agricultural policies define the productive framework of the sector, condition the farmer’s strategies and, at the end of the day, influence the possibilities and sustainability of rural areas as well as the conservation or modification of the traditional landscapes. The presentations will focus on agricultural policies and their impact on the rural environment and landscape.
4.The role of social capital in rural development
Rural territories are confronting the necessity of reconsidering the value of their material and immaterial resources, their world of relations and interests and everything that affects the daily life and gives them collective identity - a response to the new dimensions imposed by the effects of globalisation. Different experiences in diverse rural areas show that for this response to be successful and adapted to the new circumstances it must be able to count on the involvement of "social capital" and the creation of collective projects based on a true sense of partnership. In this way, global competitiveness can be achieved without the loss of social cohesion and inter-territorial solidarity. The discussion presentations will analyse the role that social capital has played in rural development.
5. The process of urban acculturation in the rural areas
Many rural areas have experienced great changes in customs, the way of life, mobility and even gastronomy so that the very parameters of cultural rural life have changed. The clear differences between rural and urban life have almost vanished. The loss of traditions has meant a cultural impoverishment and the disappearance of many of the signs of rural identity. The mass media, especially television, have imposed patterns of behaviour that are common to all. To this process of acculturation (or multiculturalism), we must also add the factor of immigration to rural areas. However, a new development model is revitalising and recognising the rich diversity that has always characterised rural life with the re-birth of traditions and customs that give an identity to the population and also stimulate tourist interest. The presentations will concentrate on different modes of acculturation in specific areas and the revitalisation of rural traditions.
6. Multi-functionality and dynamism of rural areas
Changes in the productive structure of the primary sector have had direct consequences on rural areas which have been forced to progressively assimilate a process of their own restructuring. In this context of profound transformation, new opportunities for occupational diversification have emerged that include a variety of economic activities that are often linked with the leisure and tourism industries. This multifunctional framework is not without problems related to demographic, sociological and economic factors but it is producing new evaluations of the territories, creating a new structure of opportunities for the actors in the processes of rural development. The discussion presentations will illustrate some of these actions and the work of the actors in diversifying the economic functions of the rural areas, paying special attention to rural tourism and its impact on territorial sustainability.
FIELDWORK
The high basin of the Gállego river: a development model in need of a new direction
Half-day excursion: 4th or 5th August.
The high basin of the River Gállego includes the Valley of Tena and Tierra de Biescas framed by the highest summits of the central Aragonese Pyrenees, a landscape of great beauty. Historically, its economy was focussed on farming and forestry, although already in the first half of the 20th century its tourist resources were being used to some extent and some reservoirs were constructed to produce electricity, which had an initial impact on the landscape and caused the resettlement of local communities. But approximately thirty years ago, intensive use of snow as a resource for the practice of tourist-sporting activities began. With increasing demand over time, ski resorts became profitable and extended their infrastructure, including more accommodation. This coincided with an extended period of development in Spain so that the resorts spread out from the high mountains throughout the valley with housing developments multiplying around the villages. At the same time other resources were being exploited, especially reservoirs, for sporting or cultural activities. The absence of suitable planning, marked by the criteria of economic development of that time, has contributed towards making this type of tourism an important factor in the transformation of the territorial and socioeconomic structure of these lands. On numerous occasions this has come into conflict with the type of community and the traditional uses of the land, thus endangering its sustainability. The visit to the high basin of the River Gállego will allow us to observe the implantation of this phenomenon and familiarization with the measures being taken to realign the development of its potential, thus redefining the tourist model.
International Expo Zaragoza 2008, Spain: Water and sustainable development
One day excursion: 6th August
Heritage, environment and sustainable socio-economic development in Albarracín.
Half-day excursion: 7th or 8th August.
The excursion is divided into two parts. The first part is dedicated to the example of good practices in rural-territorial development undertaken by the Santa María de Albarracín Foundation, a non-profit organisation, set up in 1996 with the objective of advancing Albarracín as city of culture by maximising the potential of its exceptional historical heritage. The activities of the Foundation are concentrated in three broad areas: the restoration of historic buildings and antique furniture; the organisation of courses, seminars and workshops on cultural issues; and the promotion of musical events. These activities have stimulated and encouraged private sector initiatives which complement the work of the Foundation and provide a wide variety of tourist services.
The second part of the excursion centres on the cultural landscape. We consider the symbiosis between historical heritage and the natural environment of Albarracín looking at some of the projects developed in the AlbarracínCulturalPark. The Park was founded in 1998 as a rural-territorial planning organisation, based on the culture/nature binomial that gives an area singular values through a combination of evaluation, protection and the efficient management of the heritage resources available.
TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS TO ARRIVE IN ZARAGOZA AND JACA
ACCESS TO ZARAGOZA
By Plane
Daily flights from Madrid, London and Milan.
Consult airlines and flights at:
The airport of Zaragoza is situated 10 kilometres from the city centre and is connected by coach and taxi services.
By Train or Coach
All train and coach lines converge on the Zaragoza Station (Estación Zaragoza-Delicias). From this station there are coach and train lines to Jaca.
Train: consult line and schedules at:
Coach: consult line and schedules at:
ACCESS TO JACA
If there is enough demand the Organizing Committee can provide a coach for the transfer from Zaragoza Station (Estación Zaragoza-Delicias) to Jaca on Sunday, 3rd August at 19:00. Those interested in using this coach service should reserve their place sending an e-mail to:
Access by Road
Consult routes at .
Access by Public Transport
Coach: Daily service from Zaragoza, Huesca and Pamplona.
Consult schedule at: or
Train: Daily service via regional line Zaragoza-Huesca-Jaca leaving from Zaragoza Station (Estación Zaragoza-Delicias).
Consult schedule at:
LEAVING FROM TERUEL
If there is enough demand the Organizing Committee can provide a coach for the transfer from Teruel to Zaragoza (Estación Zaragoza-Delicias) on Saturday, 9th August at 8:30. Those interested in using this coach service should reserve their place sending an e-mail to:
By Public Transport
Coach: Daily service from Teruel to Valencia, Zaragoza, Madrid, Tarragona, Barcelona, Castellón, Alicante, Murcia, Cartagena, Cuenca, Gandía, Benidorm, Torreblanca and Alcañiz..
Consult schedule at:
Train: Daily service to Valencia and Zaragoza.
Consult schedule at: .