the caves by swimming or by paddle-craft . In addition , a number of private companies have been organising excursions that virtually monopolise these protected natural areas known as a “ Lugar de Interés Comunitario ( LIC )” within Penya-Segats de la Marina Alta . The Town hall also plans to launch the “ Xabia Sostenible ” tourism brand . For full story see : http :// www . javeamigos . com / news / 2016 / 05 / 2705-02 . htm
Drinks app helps Spain ’ s strawberry farmers slash water use
Six years ago , Innocent Drinks , in partnership with farmers ( in the Doñaña Park area ) and the University of Cordoba , began four years of on-farm research examining a variety of irrigation equipment and water management approaches based on the different soil types , plant varieties and climate conditions . The result is Irri-fresa : an app that calculates optimum daily irrigation times . Participating farmers have cut water use by up to 40 %; in 2015 they saved 1.7bn litres . for full story see : The Guardian
Valencian Community gears up for summer season
Tourism makes up 15 % of the GDP of the Comunidad Valenciana , with populations tripling or more ( even inland Peñiscola sees its population rise from 7,400 to 100,000 in the summer ). This year the Comunidad of Valencia has a record 125 Blue Flag beaches with 180 receiving certificates of quality . Many municipalities are extending security and safety surveillance both in terms of hours per day and length of season covered . Drones are being used to help in surveillance and defibrillators are being made available . 19 municipalities , including Xàbia , are experimenting with changing huts and some have set aside beaches to be dog friendly ( including Denia ) From Las Provincias Sunday printed edition .
Drought accelerates erosion and ruins almost half of fertile soil in Alicante Province
A drought has extended over the Valencia region since 2013 , the areas worst affected being the Vinalopó valley , the Marina Baixa and inland Alicante Province . A report by the Spanish Centre for Scientific Research ( CSIC ) on desertification in Spain , highlights the process whereby drought enhances erosion and reduces soil fertility . In Alicante province more than 90,000 hectares of fertile soil have been affected ( 40 % of fertile soil ), a third of the province . The ground water is now at depths of 500m in the worst affected areas . We are suffering the longest drought on record which last year resulted in an average reduction of 60 % in crops . From Diarioiformacion