Abstract:

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The centre of the High Alpujarra is defined by a stratified landscape from the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the Guadalfeo river valley. The meltwater has made possible the development of hydraulic systems that have given structure to the agricultural lands linked to the settlements of this region throughout history. 

 

One of the most outstanding cases can be found in the surroundings of the Barranco de los Molinos, linked to the fertile plains of Juviles, Tímar and Lobras. Captured at 2515 m.a.s.l., an acequia de careo forms the backbone of this system. Barranco de los Molinos is one of the ravines into which it pours its waters, after transferring the water from the Trevélez river basin to the catchment area of the river Bérchules. A series of concatenated water channels that, even today, irrigate the agricultural districts located to the east of the village of Juviles also originate in it, continuing downstream where they supply different irrigated lands in Tímar and Lobras on their way, concluding at around 900 m.a.s.l. Along its little less than 20 kilometres, this system has allowed the development of settlements that, from medieval times to the present day, have largely depended on these channels. 

 

Water is not only used for the cultivation of different species that have been changing and adapting, but also for the pre-industrial transformation of agricultural products through the mills established in the hydraulic network, as well as an intense silk production in past centuries. The transformations caused by industrial development and the loss of population in this region, have led to the abandonment of part of the agricultural land. As a consequence, the network of water channels has been left without maintenance. Despite this, there are numerous orchards that are still being cultivated and there are many residents who, through the Irrigation community are actively working to reactivate the maintenance and recovery of lost or unused stretches of this network. 

 

This is the case of Barranco de los Molinos itself, thus ensuring the continuity of the hydraulic system. Together with this Irrigation community, a survey and mapping of the entire network from the peaks to the Guadalfeo River is being carried out. Simultaneously, the preserved historical records are investigated in a study that will allow to determine how these landscapes were configured in the past and how they have evolved to our days. The knowledge and documentation generated will be useful for recovering this hydraulic network and keeping it in use. In addition, the analysis of the dynamics of the use of these hydraulic resources will make it possible to analyze the changes that are taking place on these slopes, as well as future risks and threats.