This article analyses the didactic potential of comparative affective-normative itineraries as a methodological resource for addressing LGTBIQ+ diversity in university-level regional geography teaching. The proposal is situ-ated within contemporary debates that conceptualise the region as a flexible analytical framework for the comparative study of terri-torial realities. It also engages with contributions from critical ge-ography, queer geographies and critical pedagogies, systematically incorporating normative, experiential and affective dimensions into territorial analysis. The proposal was implemented in a university course on region-al geography over two consecutive academic years. The method-ological design was based on the comparison of countries within broad regional frameworks through the combined use of institu-tional, legal and narrative sources. The work involved the analysis of legislation, statistical indicators, media materials and testimonial sources, as well as the construction of comparative matrices and analytical synthesis tools. The results show that students were able to identify signifi-cant contrasts between countries belonging to the same regional framework with regard to rights, visibility and living conditions of LGTBIQ+ communities. The combined use of sources made it possible to reveal mismatches between legal recognition and social experience, as well as dynamics of exclusion, ambivalence and re-sistance that are not easily captured through analyses based solely on structural indicators. The proposal highlights the usefulness of affective-normative itineraries as a pedagogical resource for intro-ducing situated territorial readings attentive to sexual and gender normativities in regional geography teaching.
The process of change and uncertainty that has been taking place over recent decades, and which has intensified more recently, requires public administrations to have the capacity to adapt to new scenar-ios, as well as to provide responses to the new problems and de-mands of citizens. This paper describes the process of developing the Strategic Plan of Valverde del Majano (Segovia), in response to the need for an objective and flexible document tailored to the municipality's challenges, both in the current context and in fu-ture scenarios. Its approach focuses on improving the quality of life of the population of Valverde del Majano and on stimulating economic activity as a fundamental driver of local socioeconomic revitalization. Likewise, the plan seeks to create a framework of stability based on social and institutional consensus, with the ca-pacity to adapt to the various social, economic, and environmental circumstances that may arise.
The aim of this research is to analyse the perceptions and experiences of students enrolled in the Primary Education Teaching Degree (University of Valencia -UV- and University of Castilla-La Mancha -UCLM-, Spain) regarding natural hazards, identifying the events they have lived through and remember, as well as their assessments of the probability, impact, and future worsening of these phenomena. Methodologically, a mixed-method questionnaire was administered to 216 prospective teachers. The results reveal clear differences between groups. For example, at UV, 75.7 % report having witnessed floods, whereas at UCLM earthquakes stand out more (20.6 %), along with a high-er absence of such experiences (23.5 %). Concerning memories of significant events, the 2024 Valencia cut-off low is mentioned by 79.2 % of participants, followed by the 2021 La Palma volcanic eruption (12.0 %). Regarding future perceptions, 87.0 % believe that climate change will exacerbate flooding, with stronger inten-sity among the UV group (85.8 % at the highest value). Likewise, 43.1 % state that human action will increase these phenomena, especially in the Valencian Community (56.8 %). These findings highlight the influence of territorial context in shaping awareness of natural hazards and the need for education adapted to regional realities to strengthen socio-territorial resilience
A landscape to discover, contemplate, and experience: the sunflower fields of Aljarafe. The concept of landscape is multifaceted and has evolved significantly since its inception. It can be interpreted through various lenses: as a scenario, a lived experience, and a jour-ney. These diverse perspectives facilitate the study of landscapes as a source of knowledge and appreciation. This paper presents a case analysis of a landscape of sunflowers extended through a public trail in the Sevillian region of Aljarafe, which includes distinct sec-tions, landmarks, and other notable elements. The analysis delves into the trail's character, structure, form, and perception.
The Balearic Islands are one of the most touristic regions in the world. Obviously, the particularities of their tourism model have an impact on the expectations and perceptions of those who visit them. This study aims to explore these perceptions in the case of Spanish tourists who visit the islands before, during and after their trip. A combination of quantitative methodologies has been used based on a survey of people residing in Spain who have visited the Balearic Islands relatively recently. The results indicate that, generally, the main motivation for the visit is the interest in the destination itself, while economic factors play a minor role. It is concluded that the offer of sustainable and integrated tourism models that meet the demands of national tourists on each specific island should positively influence their expectations and perceptions of tourism.
La obtención de datos censales a escala intraurbana, cuya disponibilidad había estado limitada a partir del Censo de Población y Viviendas de 2011, junto con el reciente acceso a información sobre renta a esta misma escala, permite retomar investigaciones inscritas en la tradición de la ecología factorial. Este trabajo toma como estudio de caso el Área Metropolitana de Málaga/Marbella, un espacio caracterizado por su dinamismo y organización interna polinuclear. En este contexto, la expansión urbana no se explica únicamente por el desbordamiento del núcleo malagueño, sino también por la influencia estructurante del turismo como actividad exógena. El objetivo de la investigación que presentamos es doble: por un lado, mostrar la posibilidad de continuar con la línea de investigación centrada en la ecología factorial. Por otro, ejemplificar dicha posibilidad con el caso del Área Metropolitana Málaga/Marbella. A través de un análisis factorial combinado con una clasificación clúster sobre ocho variables socioeconómicas, se identifican tres componentes principales que estructuran la distribución espacial de la población. Los patrones obtenidos muestran coherencia con la evidencia previa, destacando dos agrupamientos principales: uno vinculado al área de expansión natural del municipio capitalino y otro asociado a espacios urbanizados impulsados por el turismo. Se concluye que la reactivación de este enfoque analítico es viable; no obstante, se subraya la necesidad de avanzar hacia una mayor homogeneidad en la selección de variables, con el fin de favorecer la comparabilidad entre estudios aplicados a diferentes contextos urbanos.
Durante las últimas décadas (1999-2020), estamos asistiendo a la transformación del espacio agrario de amplias regiones rurales de los países europeos que buscan mejorar la productividad del sector, promover el desarrollo económico local, garantizar la sostenibilidad y fortalecer la resiliencia ante los desafíos socioeconómicos y ambientales. La comarca toledana de La Campana de Oropesa y Cuatro Villas, localizada en el extremo occidental provincial, es uno de los territorios que está apostando por la reconfiguración de su anacrónico sector primario con la intención de hacerlo más competitivo. Estas transformaciones se orientan a la intensificación tecnológica y a la reconversión productiva del sector primario mediante la adopción de tecnologías avanzadas, maquinaria moderna, sistemas de riego eficientes y técnicas de producción más rentables. A su vez, buscan diversificar sus actividades más allá de la agricultura, incorporando el turismo rural, la agroindustria, la producción artesanal, entre otras, como medios para fortalecer la economía local y generar empleo. El objetivo fundamental de la investigación ha sido contrastar las conversiones sufridas por el ámbito agropecuario de esta zona durante los últimos 20 años. Para lograr tal fin, ha sido fundamental el trabajo de campo y el análisis de diferentes fuentes de información geográfica que nos han permitido adquirir una visión holística de los cambios experimentados. Los resultados arrojan numerosas modificaciones en la estructura del territorio rural, pero, a su vez, denotan un gran camino aún por recorrer en la reactivación económica del sector agropecuario.
Desde 1973 se inició por nuestra parte el reconocimiento sistemático de los glaciares pirenaicos activos en la vertiente española. Aquellos investigadores crearían, primero, el Instituto Español de Glaciología (1978) y, más tarde, el Programa de Estudio de los Recursos Hídricos y Nivales de la Innivación en la alta montaña (1982). A partir de entonces, este Programa realizó el seguimiento de tales glaciares, aplicando con continuidad los métodos necesarios, en conexión con instituciones internacionales. Se escogió como lugar piloto de investigación el glaciar de la Maladeta. Este seguimiento ha permitido obtener datos concretos sobre el retroceso continuado de los hielos pirenaicos, observar la extinción de varios de sus aparatos y constatar el sensible deterioro actual de los últimos de ellos
El impacto de la Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA) de 2024 de Valencia (España), ha evidenciado, entre otras cuestiones, la necesidad de una mayor educación en riesgos naturales. Ante dicha situación, en este trabajo se presenta una experiencia didáctica que se ha desarrollado en una escuela de la ciudad de Alicante (España), con estudiantes de 6º de Educación Primaria (2024-2025). A través de 12 sesiones en la asignatura de “Conocimiento del Medio Natural, Social y Cultural”, se han tratado diferentes riesgos, tanto fenómenos atmosféricos, geológicos y biológicos, y con actividades prácticas como simulacros, salidas de campo, debates y murales digitales. El objetivo, por tanto, ha sido fomentar la comprensión de estos riesgos vinculándolos con el cambio climático y la acción del ser humano. Esta experiencia, que ha culminado con un Escape Room ha permitido aplicar lo aprendido con resultados positivos, ya que la mayoría del alumnado ha alcanzado calificaciones de carácter excelente, mostrando una mayor concienciación y preparación ante estos fenómenos, reforzando competencias y sensibilización para crear una sociedad más resiliente.
En la actualidad, la lucha contra el cambio climático se ha convertido en una prioridad para numerosos países, afectando a diferentes zonas de una forma muy distinta: desde el aumento del riesgo de desertificación, causado por el aumento de temperaturas, hasta zonas con riesgos de inundaciones producidas por el incremento de las precipitaciones. En este sentido, numerosas formaciones forestales en la Cordillera de los Andes pueden verse afectados de una forma más o menos intensa por el cambio climático. Esta es una de las regiones con mayor variedad de ecosistemas y formaciones forestales del mundo. En esta investigación se realizó un estudio sobre los posibles cambios en las formaciones forestales, analizando la distribución actual y futura mediante métodos de distribución potencial, usando el software MaxEnt, bajo tres líneas evolutivas: los escenarios A1B, A2A y B2A con proyecciones para un periodo actual (2010-2039) y dos periodos futuros (2040-2069 y 2070-2099) descritos por el Grupo Intergubernamental de Expertos sobre el Cambio Climático (IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Los resultados muestran cambios significativos en el área de distribución de varios bosques, mostrando la idoneidad para cada formación forestal en cada escenario. De forma general se concluye que en el escenario más restrictivo, el A2A, los cambios pueden llegar a afectar al 62% del territorio de su distribución potencial actual, con grandes impactos en el Bosque Piedemonte del oeste de la Amazonía y el Bosque húmedo de tierras bajas y submontano del suroccidente Caribeño que reducen su área de distribución futura el 75%.
Over the last few decades, we have witnessed the transformation of the agrarian space of large rural regions in European countries that seek to improve the productivity of the sector, promote local economic development, guarantee sustainability and strengthen resilience in the face of socio-economic and environmental challenges. The Toledan region of La Campana de Oropesa y Cuatro Villas, located in the westernmost part of the province, is one of the territories committed to the reconfiguration of its anachronistic primary sector with the aim of making it more competitive. These transformations are focused on technological intensification and productive reconversion of the primary sector through the adoption of advanced technologies, modern machinery, efficient irrigation systems and more profitable production techniques. At the same time, they seek to diversify their activities beyond agriculture, incorporating rural tourism, agro-industry, handicraft production, among others, as a means to strengthen the local economy and generate employment. The main objective of this research has been to compare the conversions undergone by the agricultural sector in this area over the last 20 years. In order to achieve this, fieldwork and the analysis of different sources of geographical information have been fundamental, allowing us to acquire a holistic vision of the experienced changes. The results show several transformations in the structure of the rural territory, but at the same time, there is still a long way to go in the economic recovery of the agricultural sector.
The impact of the 2024 cut-off low in Valencia (Spain) has highlighted, among other issues, the need for greater education on natural hazards. In response to this situation, this paper presents a didactic experience carried out in a school in the city of Alicante (Spain) with sixth-grade Primary Education students (2024-2025). Over the course of 12 sessions in the subject Knowledge of the Natural, Social and Cultural Environment, different hazards were addressed-atmospheric, geological, and biological-through practical activities such as drills, field trips, debates, and digital murals. The objective was to promote the understanding of these natural hazards by linking them to climate change and human activity. This experience, which concluded with an Escape Room, allowed students to apply the learnt contents with very positive results: the majority achieved excellent grades and showed increased awareness and preparedness in the face of such risks, reinforcing their competencies and commitment to build a resilient society.
Since 1973, we have been systematically studying active Pyrenean glaciers in the Spanish side. Those researchers would first establish the Spanish Institute of Glaciology (1978) and later the Program for the Study of Water and Snow Resources in High Mountain Snowfall (1982). From then on, this Program has monitored these glaciers, continuously applying the necessary methods in collaboration with international institutions. The Maladeta Glacier was chosen as a pilot research site. This monitoring has provided concrete data on the continued retreat of Pyrenean ice, and has allowed to observe the extinction of several glaciers and confirm the current deterioration of the remaining ones.
The renewed availability of intra-urban census data (limited since the 2011 Population and Housing Census), alongside the recent access to income data at a comparable spatial scale, creates favorable conditions for the revival of research grounded in factorial ecology. These developments offer the potential to reassess urban spatial structures through robust, multidimensional analyses. To illustrate this opportunity, we examine the M & aacute;laga/Marbella Metropolitan Area, a dynamic and polycentric region in which urban expansion cannot be solely attributed to population and activity overflow from the core city of M & aacute;laga. In this context, tourism-an exogenous and highly influential factor-has played a key role in shaping urban development, particularly outside the capital's immediate sphere. Using a combination of factor analysis and cluster analysis on eight selected variables, we identify three principal components underlying the spatial distribution of the population. The spatial configuration of the resulting clusters is consistent with existing empirical knowledge: the two most significant clusters correspond, on the one hand, to the natural area of expansion of the metropolitan core, and on the other hand, to urban spaces that have emerged predominantly as a result of tourism-driven development. The prospects for advancing this line of inquiry are promising. However, we emphasise the need for a degree of standardisation in the selection and use of variables. Such homogenisation would be essential for enhancing the comparability of studies conducted across different urban contexts.
In the southeastern part of the first metropolitan ring of Madrid, the young city of Rivas-Vaciamadrid (101 949 inhabitants in 2024) is of great interest due to its origins, linked to cooperatives, and its high growth, now weaker. Depending on the period, it was supported by protected housing of different types, but also on free housing of certain level (single-family units, blocks of flats). Its evolution is the result of unique policies, which has led to uneven solutions when it comes to make neoliberal urban planning compatible with progressive sustainable urban planning. From a comprehensive geographic perspective, we examine the morphological, environmental, sociodemographic and functional aspects of the city, whose interrelationship helps us to understand the logic of the urban process, the obtained achievements as well as the tensions and problems aroused (housing, mobility, services, local economy). Knowing them can enrich the current debate about urban sustainability, in search of a different paradigm.
The interest of the Tajogaite volcano (La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain) for the teaching of geography and knowledge dissemination.- This work aims to describe the usefulness of geographical research on the eruption of the Tajogaite Volcano (VT) on the island of La Palma (2021) for geography education at various levels (early childhood, primary, secondary, university, and postgraduate), as well as for the dissemination of knowledge to the general public through training activities and courses. The methodology used focused on documenting and describing the usefulness of VT's scientific research for students to acquire the competences of their educational level. To this end, the following were developed experiments, talks, and classroom and field lessons aligned with the areas, competencies, and subjects, it was observed that the VT offers a wide range of didactic resources and opportunities for theoretical and practical learning in geography. Therefore, it can be said that a volcano is of great interest to geography education.
The Ensenada Cadastre is an extensive collection of documents that serves as a significant geohistorical source, facilitating the comprehension of the forests of the Crown of Castile during the mid-18th century. This collection has witnessed a marked increase in utilisation by researchers hailing from a wide array of academic disciplines. The present study is an examination of the information provided in the Cadastre docutilisation, and legal status, drawing upon a series of selected cases. The conclusion drawn from this analysis is that, within a significant degree of homogeneity, the heterogeneity of detail regarding the subject under study is the norm and is related to a variety of factors the cadastral documentation which provides the most reliable information in this regard is that at the local level.
