From Dunes to Forests: Historical Management of Coastal Dune Fields to Understand Their Changes Across Time: The case of the Catalan Coast

Abstract

This work compares two dune fixation processes in Catalonia (Spain), the Montgrí and Begur massifs and the Llobregat delta, and disproves that both were undertaken to impede the advance of the sands. The fixation process in the Montgrí and Begur massifs is well documented and was planned in response to the need to stop sand advancement, whereas in the case of the Llobregat delta, the actions taken were spontaneous, took place over centuries and were aimed at mitigating health issues while at the same time gaining an economic benefit from the fruit and wood of the planted pine trees.