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Use of Pressure-State-Response indicators in the diagnosis of the Marine Baixa region, SE, Spain

Abstract:

In the last decades the Marina Baixa region has been subjected to significant socioeconomic transformations; which has generated demographic changes, land use changes, and ensuing changes in water uses and demand. Recent transformations have gradually differentiated 3 environmental units of reference (interior, intermediate and coastal). Using the Pressure-State-Response framework (PSR), several indicators have been studied to identify the main problems affecting the area and develop a diagnose for the region. Results indicate an annual water deficit, high tourist and urban development, and high demographic concentration in the coastal and intermediate zones. Together with the increasing water use in intensive farming, generates negative water balances at each environmental unit. At the regional level, the current development model is ecologically unsustainable.