Relator e responsable científico
Resumo
Since 2017 we are conducting archaeological research in the mountainous region of Babia (León, Spain). This area is comprised by the Natural Park of Babia and Luna, and the UNESCO Babia Biosphere Reserve. Our project aims to examine human agency in the diachronic shaping of upland landscapes. The anthropogenic impact of pastoralism, mining or forestry is a relevant theme under discussion in current archaeological research at several European mountain ranges. Traditionally considered as ‘marginal areas’, recent archaeological investigations reveal how upland environs constitute key areas to understand subsistence strategies developed by societies at different historical periods. Thus, previous assumptions about mountains being ‘pristine areas’ where wilderness has prevailed against long-term anthropization can be nowadays challenged. Although these assumptions are well-established in social sciences, tourism imaginaries and narratives disseminated by different stakeholders still tell broader audiences that upland landscapes are beautiful because human presence can be barely noted. When mentioned, herding or forestry activities are presented in an unhistorical and unproblematized framework adopting a melancholic tone. In this paper, we analyse prevalent narratives regarding cultural landscapes along hiking routes and museums in our study area. We will also explore tourism narratives on cultural heritage disseminated by public and private stakeholders aimed to attract visitors to the study area. Moreover, we present the dissemination plan we are following as a result of our research project, including the redesign of existing hiking routes, the placement of new interpretative panels for visitors, the production of brochures and materials for lay audiences, educational activities with children, and an active public engagement strategy through Social Media, public lectures and visits. Overall, we will assess our successes and the challenges ahead.
Palabras chave
Cultural landscapes. Landscape archaeology. Archaeology and tourism. Tourism imaginaries. Cultural heritage resource management. Archaeology of pastoralism.