DESARROLLO DE UNA METODOLOGÍA PARA EL ESTUDIO DEL IMPACTO DE LOS PARQUES EÓLICOS EN EL ENTORNO RURAL, PAISAJÍSTICO Y TURÍSTICO.

Abstract

In recent years the wind energy has received a major boost, and its location is determined by the availability and quality of the resource. Galicia plays an important role due to the abundance of the resource and its mountainous terrain. However, wind farms are accompanied by negative effects, being the less assessed the socio-economic impacts on the nearby population centers, and on tourism and cultural-historical values. The Regional Government intends to consider these aspects, as to improve the quality of life of the population it is essential to tackle issues such as depopulation, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, or the impacts on production models. In the present study, after a review of the state of the art, we analyze the social and touristic impacts from implementing a wind farm in Paradela (Lugo). The methodology is based on the application of multicriteria analysis techniques using different sustainability indicators, formulated, tested and weighed. This methodology, being operative and flexible, permits to study complex situations, and is applicable to other geographic areas. All this will help on decision making.