landscape with fields and hills
Empowering rural communities to act for change

Andalucía, Spain

Territory: mountainous inland area with easy highway access
Inhabitants: 42,813
Area: 352 sqkm
Main occupations: the main economic activities of the community are wholesale trade, followed by agriculture, manufacturing industry, construction and other professional and scientific and technical activities
Protected areas: Cornisa de los Alcores, Laguna de Santo domingo, Laguna de Zahariche, Laguna de las Arroyuelas, Loma de la Cascajosa,Cueva de la Batida, Río Corbones

The province of Córdoba, in the heart of Andalucía, is characterised by the diversity of its landscapes, which combine agricultural countryside, mountain ranges and protected natural areas. In the south of the province, the Subbética Cordobesa region stands out for its strong rural identity, rich biodiversity and deep-rooted agricultural traditions linked to olive groves and Mediterranean crops.

This is the context in which the area of action is located, which exemplifies the connection between agriculture, culture and nature. The area has strong links to the agri-food sector, especially olive and almond cultivation, although other products that form part of the local identity are also developed. The territory combines a diverse agricultural landscape with areas of great ecological value, which today face the challenge of climate change and sustainable water resource management.

Our ambition
We strive to develop a model of rural development that combines sustainability, inclusion and resilience, contributing to improved quality of life of the local population and a strengthened territory in the face of future challenges. The aim is to consolidate a space where tradition and innovation meet, generating new economic, social and cultural opportunities for the entire community.

The priority Rural Development Drivers on which the action area focusses are:

Sustainable agri-food systems and ecosystem management: promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices and ensuring more efficient use of natural resources. The aim is to strengthen local food security and conserve the biodiversity of the territory.

Culture and cultural innovation: strengthening local identity through cultural heritage and opening up new approachh for creation and citizen participation. The aim is for culture to act as a driver of social cohesion and innovation.

Local services, health and wellbeing: by developing the two previous areas, it is understood that they can contribute to strengthening community services and creating spaces that promote inclusion, training and improved physical and emotional wellbeing. The aim is to ensure a healthier and more balanced life in rural areas.

This makes us unique
We are part of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, also listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, which is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, unique geological formations and biodiversity that is unique in the Mediterranean region. These values make the Lucena area a privileged setting for linking rural development with the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. This provides a valuable natural environment within the Lagunas del Sur de Córdoba (Southern Córdoba Lagoons), which includes protected areas such as Laguna Amarga, Laguna de los Jarales, Laguna Dulce and the Embalse de Malpasillo Natural Park. Added to this is the Sierra de Aras, declared a natural monument and renowned for its caves and attractions for caving, hiking and paragliding, together with the river landscape of the Anzur. In addition, the municipality benefits from its proximity to the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park and Geopark, an area of great biodiversity and geological value. The Olive Oil Greenway completes this network, offering an iconic route for cyclists and hikers that connects nature, rich cultural heritage and sustainable tourism.

Local Task Force

TararaFilms

Local audiovisual production company that tells rural communities' stories

Asociación Cultural Espacio La Tesela

Local cultural association that aims to develop cultural activities with the community

BALAM API

Association that provides training and technical advice on integrated production