Municipality of Llanes
Restoring the fluvial ecosystem rivers in the eastern region of Asturias
The fluvial environment of the rivers in the eastern region of Asturias is subject to continuous and progressive deterioration as a result of the human settlements and activities that have been established on their banks. The situation of deterioration is specially relevant in the Vallina River, a 3-kilometre fluvial course located in a karst area that flows from its spring “Fuente Vallina” in the town of Porrúa to its mouth in Póo. It is at this point where it connects with the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route. The Vallina river is typified as a pluvial type associated with intense rainfall. Having an irregular course, it presents dry periods and periods of flooding, which entails greater impact on the ecosystem when the river carries debris or waste.
In avoiding such environmental impact, the present proposal aims at restoring the ecosystem of this river watershed and suggests a number of actions; namely, the clearance of the watershed and banks, the control of any discharges of waste or residual water to the river, the restauration of public fluvial areas, the reforestation of the riverside and the conditioning of the pedestrian path. The objective is to obtain a river free of plastics and pollutants, to maintain the quality of the water and to promote the unique elements in the surroundings: three historic washing places, three medieval bridges and the Ethnographic Museum of Eastern Asturias (Museo Etnográfico del Oriente de Asturias).
Team member
Jesús Angel Carbajosa Menéndez
Role: Advisor
Fundación Museo Etnográfico del Oriente – José Luis Villaverde Amieva
Role: Advisor
Marcelino Garnelo Iglesisas
Role: Municipal construction technician
Eduardo Rico Armayor
Role: Local development agent