Depopulation concerns
Depopulation Concerns in Huelva: An Overview of Andalusia's Strategy
A recent report highlights the issue of depopulation affecting certain areas within the Andalusian region of Spain, despite the overall population growth of the community. The Andalusian administration, known as the Junta, is actively working on an "Estrategia frente al desafío demográfico" (Strategy against the demographic challenge), a comprehensive plan to address this imbalance.
While Andalusia boasts a significant population and has seen growth in recent decades, this growth is not evenly distributed. The Junta aims to achieve 10 million inhabitants and a national average per capita income of 30,000 euros, with specific objectives including reducing the loss of inhabitants in 95 identified areas by 80% over the next decade.
Huelva's Nine Municipalities at Risk
Within the province of Huelva, nine municipalities have been identified as being at risk of depopulation. These localities are considered of "preferential action" in the Junta's strategy. The municipalities are:
- Zalamea la Real
- Berrocal
- Encinasola
- Cumbres de San Bartolomé
- Hinojales
- Cala
- Villanueva de las Cruces
- Cabezas Rubias
- El Granado
Reasons for Depopulation
The factors contributing to this depopulation trend include an aging population, a declining birth rate, and the long-term effects of rural exodus to urban centers. Although people are generally not leaving Andalusia, they are migrating to areas that are also facing demographic challenges, putting a strain on services in those locations.
Interestingly, the source notes that many rural municipalities in Andalusia are not as isolated from essential services as commonly perceived, thanks to the network of medium-sized cities. Experts suggest that negative perceptions about the lack of services in rural areas and a prevailing idea that young people must leave for opportunities contribute to the problem. Concrete issues such as a lack of available housing and insufficient initiatives to promote local entrepreneurship and job opportunities also play a significant role.
The Junta's Strategy and Outlook
The Junta's strategy aims to incorporate a demographic perspective into all public policies to foster equal opportunities across the region. This includes analyzing the impact of policies on rural environments. They are focusing on measures to retain and attract residents, recognizing the potential of teleworking and the increasing interest in healthier, natural environments. The strategy categorizes municipalities into three priority levels based on factors like population density, growth rates, aging, migration, and average age.
The goal is to halt population decline in 80% of the affected areas within ten years, by 2035, to ensure the survival of these municipalities and prevent the saturation of larger urban centers. The Junta views this as an ambitious yet achievable goal, emphasizing their proactive approach to the demographic challenge.