El Arenal del Almorxóel último activo de la Provincia de Alicante (SE de España)

Résumé

The Almorxó Dune in the locality of Petrer is a singular outcrop of the Geology of the Alicante Province. It is the last active sand dune of many ancient ones that existed along the Vinalopó Valley at the start of the XX century. It is in decline due to loss of inputs and the development of a plant cover that fixes the dune. As considered a symbol of the town of Petrer five environmental protection framework had been established to protect the ecosystem. The sediment inputs have been reduced by the real state development of the surroundings. However, this protection accelerated the process of dune fixation by vegetation. In an attempt to prolong its activity there have been some selective vegetation plucks. In the near future will no longer be active and will be covered by vegetation, thus losing its uniqueness. This is an example where protection of a landscape has accelerated its change. A more flexible protection is proposed for its conservation.