Summary
This paper outlines a research programme developed by INCIPIT-CSIC for the archaeological study and heritage valorisation of rural landscapes in Babia (León, Spain). Landscape archaeology is a research strategy that analyses the historical and cultural biography of this mountainous area, where different models of extensive pastoralism have shaped the socio-environmental relationships between local communities and their environment throughout history. In recent decades, Babia has undergone a gradual process of demographic, and socio-economic decline, which has affected the vitality of the area. Rural tourism is the only growing economic activity, given the crisis in the primary sector and the absence of manufacturing activities. In this context, the processes of heritagisation and land management of the rural landscapes of the study area are examined. This analysis has led to the design and implementation of several initiatives for the valorisation of cultural landscapes considering current societal challenges, such as the decline of rural areas and the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, the capacity of the archaeological reading of landscapes to generate knowledge transfer and social impact is assessed within the context of the Cultur-Monts project, which is funded by the Interreg SUDOE programme. The objectives and preliminary actions of the project are presented in this study.
Keywords
Landscape archaeology. Rural landscapes. Transhumance. Rural tourism. Demographic Challenge. Heritage Education. Heritage valorisation. Conservation areas. Rural development.