Tierra Minera

Project n°2

INTRODUCTION

“Tierra Minera” is an innovative and transformative project that revitalizes historic mining areas into vibrant tourism destinations across Spain. Our mission is to preserve and celebrate the rich industrial heritage while fostering sustainable economic growth and community empowerment. By integrating cutting-edge technology with authentic historical experiences, “Tierra Minera” offers a unique, immersive journey into Spain’s mining legacy with a touristic product. Users can explore underground galleries, interactive exhibits, and augmented reality applications, bringing the past to life in a dynamic and engaging way.

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PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT

Our project stands out for its collaborative approach. We unite 6 LAG´s from four provinces across three differents regions of Spain creating a robust network of stakeholders committed to cultural preservation and tourism innovation. Through extensive research and documentation, we aim to uncover and highlight best practices in industrial heritage tourism, ensuring high-quality and impactful visitor experiences. “Tierra Minera” is more than a tourism initiative; it’s a movement to reclaim and repurpose our shared industrial history, promoting pride and identity within local communities. Our target for the next years is create an european network of areas with mining heritage and create a brand of of industrial and mining tourist destinations. At the moment, for the next LEADER period, we are going to add six more LAG´s from differents sites of Spain, two french LAG´s and we have the interest to participate for German Asocciation which manage a mining museum declared a heritage site by UNESCO

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PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

The “Tierra Minera” project aims to: Promote and Share Best Practices: Document and disseminate successful strategies for industrial and economic reconversion, focusing on transforming mining heritage into attractive tourist destinations. Catalog and Enhance Mining Heritage: Research, date, and preserve both tangible and intangible mining and industrial heritage, creating a comprehensive database to support tourism and cultural appreciation. Raise Awareness and Engage Audiences: Inform and educate the public about our mining regions and heritage through targeted communication strategies, utilizing advanced technologies and participating in fairs and congresses to attract national and international tourists. Foster Research Collaborations: Establish partnerships with academic institutions and research organizations to scientifically validate our efforts enhancing the overall quality and credibility of our project.

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THE ADDED VALUE OF THE PROJECT

Tierra Minera: Transforming Mining Heritage into Vibrant Tourism Destinations “Tierra Minera” is a visionary project designed to breathe new life into the historic mining regions of Spain by transforming them into dynamic tourism destinations. With the support of the LEADER program, this initiative aims to harness the rich industrial heritage of these areas, promoting sustainable economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

Value Added of LEADER

The LEADER program, with its focus on local development through community-led initiatives, is the engine of “Tierra Minera.” LEADER’s emphasis on innovation, cooperation, and local action aligns seamlessly with our project’s goals. The program’s support allows us to engage with local communities, ensuring that the project is deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. By leveraging LEADER funding and resources, we can develop high-quality, innovative tourism products that showcase our mining heritage while fostering economic diversification and resilience.

Effective Impact on the Territory and Its Scope

“Tierra Minera” actually spans 6 LAG´s from four provinces across three differents regions of Spain, impacting a wide geographic area. Actually we estimate a direct reach on more of 102.000 persons and in the future we are sure that the number of people reached will be increased considerably with the participation of 14 LAG’S. The project aims to create a network of mining heritage sites, each offering unique and immersive visitor experiences. By revitalizing these sites, we stimulate local economies, create jobs, and attract tourists. The project’s comprehensive approach includes the participation and collaboration of museums, town halls, cultural associations, universities and miners associations which contribute to the local participation and empowerment of our communities.

Relevance to LEADER Objectives

“Tierra Minera” aligns with LEADER’s core objectives of fostering rural development and promoting innovative local projects. The project contributes to economic diversification by developing tourism as a new economic pillar in historically mining-dependent regions. It also supports social inclusion and community cohesion by involving local residents in the preservation and promotion of their heritage. Moreover, “Tierra Minera” emphasizes environmental sustainability through the adaptive reuse of industrial sites and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism practices.

Sustainability of the Project

Sustainability is at the heart of “Tierra Minera.” With our touristic product based in virtual guides, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality we want to ensure a sustainable tourism. Also, good practices help project partners to imitate sustainable practices. By establishing partnerships with local goverments, educational institutions, and cultural organizations, “Tierra Minera” fosters a supportive ecosystem that will sustain its impact long after the initial funding period.

Transnational Impact

After a successful first stage during the LEADER 20214-2020 period, we want to extend the Tierra Minera´s brand along Europe. We believe that “Tierra Minera” serves as a model for other regions in Europe facing similar challenges, demonstrating how industrial heritage can be leveraged for sustainable development. By connecting mining heritage sites across Europe, the project promotes cross-border cooperation and cultural exchange. This transnational network enhances the visibility and appeal of the mining heritage, attracting a broader audience of international tourists.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J90FcrLh55RPA0Hz0zdq8vy2oFsNoU5s/view?usp=sharing

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CONTACT

Referral person : Pablo Pardo

Partners:

• Asociación Oficina de Fomento y Desarrollo de las Cuencas Mineras (Association)
• Grupo de Desarrollo Rural Valle del Alto Guadiato (Association)
• Asociación Montesur (Association)
• Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral del Bajo Martín y Andorra Sierra de Arcos (Association)
• Asociación para el Desarrollo Rural Integral de las Tierras del Jiloca y Gallocanta
• Asociación para el Desarrollo de la Ribera Alta del Ebro (Association)