Transitional steps towards a sustainable development of the coastal zone : reconciling environmental systems and economic activities in the lower Fluvia river basin, Costa Brava, Catalonia (Spain) / Étapes de transition vers un développement durable de la zone côtière : concilier le système écologique et les activités économiques dans le bassin inférieur de la Fluvia, Costa Brava, Catalogne (Espagne )

Abstract

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we study the patterns of environmental change in the lower Fluvià river basin (Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain) between 1957 and 1995. Our focus is on land use changes using aerial photos and field work. Data are processed within a Geographical Information System in order to produce maps that show the extent of these changes. Second, we suggest a new zoning plan for the protection of this area that builds upon previous conservation efforts, and attempts to encourage a sustainable use of lower stretches of the river without excessively jeopardizing existing activities.