The approval of the Ley 8/2003 It was the legal consideration for the establishment of the Andalusian network of botanical and mycological gardens and its dedication as Conservation, repair and reintroduction centers of wild species.
The gardens represent the plants and fungi of the Andalusian community According to the factory formations in which they appear in nature. That is why they can be observed in a type of garden that is very spread and not always in easily accessible places.
Gardens of Andalusia
The Andalusian network of botanical and mycological gardens in natural spaces (Network), composed of 11 Gardens Distributed over the Andalusian territory, it has one Total of 117,473 visitors before 2024. This data reflects the growing interest of citizens to know and enjoy the botanical and mycological wealth of Andalusia, so that the network is consolidated as a reference in promoting biodiversity and environmental education.
The gardens that form the network stand out for them biogographic diversity And the important role they play as Conservation centers” Recovery and reintroduction of wild species. Moreover, they act as Didactic and awareness rooms With which visitors can approach the knowledge and assessment of the natural heritage of the autonomous community.
Nerja’s arrest botanical garden, in Malaga, is the most visitedWith 49,022 entries during the past year. This enclave, close to one of the most emblematic caves in Andalusia, combines the beauty of the environment with a broad educational and informative offer. Other gardens such as Torre del Vijn (Jaén) and Castillejo (Cádiz) have also noticed for their intake, with 15,277 and 14,159 visitors respectively.
These results are the result of Junta de Andalucía’s efforts to improve the network through three strategic lines: the preservation of biodiversity, the Conservation Education And phytotouristic diffusion. These lines strengthen the skill from the gardens To preserve endemic and endangered species And they also promote sustainable and environmental tourism.
The preservation of biodiversity is materialized in specific projects for the research and repair of plant and mycological species of great ecological value. Each network of the network plays a key role and adapts to the characteristics of the biogeographic areas in which it is located. So a representativeness unique Of the different ecosystems of AndalusiaFrom the Sierras de Almería to the dunes of Huelva.
In the educational field, the network develops Programs with school children, families and social groups In training and participatory activities. Workshops, tours and interactive exhibitions are just a few of the initiatives that bring science and nature closer to society, which promotes greater dedication to maintaining our environment.
Ecotourism and knowledge
Phytotourism Diffusionon the other hand, aims to underline landscape and cultural wealth that contain these spaces. This approach is intended to attract visitors, while Andalusia is positioned as an attractive destination for those interested in the Green and sustainable tourismIncreasing the positive impact on nearby municipalities.
Collaboration with other entities, both nationally and internationally, has been one of the pillars that has enabled the network to achieve its objectives. The collaboration in research projectsthe Participation in scientific networks and the Exchange of experiences With other regions, they strengthen the prestige of the network as a model of integral management of natural heritage.
The dedication of the Junta de Andalucía while retaining and sustainable development is reflected in this data. The work done in the 11 gardens of the network shows how it is possible Compatibly the preservation of the environment with the promotion of educational and tourist activities that generate a positive impact On the territory.
Loose Visits to the gardens of the network in 2024, Distributed by provinceswere the following: the Albardinal (Almería), 10,326; Umbría de la Virgen (Almería), 5.646; Vinegar tower (Jaén), 15,277; El Robledo (Seville), 2,099; San Fernando (Cádiz), 5,203; El Castillejo (Cádiz), 14,159; The reservoir (Cádiz), 1,369; Dunas del Odiel (Huelva), 1,160; Hoya de Pedraza (Granada), 9,573; La Trufa (Córdoba), 3,639, and arrest-cueva de Nerja (Málaga), 49.022.