©PAT DE L’HORTA - GENERALITAT VALENCIANA
Historical Irrigation System at the Horta of Valencia, Spain
Adaptation through the efficient use of water resources and strong social organizations
THE SYSTEM
Located in Valencia in northeastern Spain, the Horta is characterized by an urban agricultural system composed of multiple irrigation channels, roads, network ditches (acequias), farms, rural constructions, and different land uses. Agricultural patterns have created a complex and highly resilient landscape in a densely populated coastal region. The area produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as rice and fish.
The Horta is influenced by its multiple environments, including the Mediterranean coast, the banks of the Turia River and the Albufera Lagoon. The agricultural system is managed by historical institutions such as the Tribunal de las Aguas, the oldest court of justice in Europe, which has authority over all acequias and is responsible for enacting and enforcing traditional rules for water distribution. Another important institution is La Tira de Comptar, founded during the Arab domination and made official by King James I in 1238. It currently guarantees the supply of fresh produce to the city and the right of farmers to participate in fruit and vegetable markets, as well as regulating their agricultural activities.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Following the designation of the Historical Irrigation System at the Horta of Valencia as a GIAHS site in 2019:
- The area has received significant national and global recognition and has attracted visitors, experts and scientists from around the world.
- Coordination between sectors has improved, supported by the creation of a GIAHS management body, the Consell de l’Horta.
- The City of Valencia created the Consell Alimentari, an advisory body to strengthen links between local fresh food producers and school procurement.
- Innovative projects are underway, such as the redevelopment of the Porta ApHorta (a pun on “door to door”) by the Municipality of Valencia and the Tira de Comptar – a historical local market where small farmers of the Valencian Horta sell their fresh and recently harvested products.
- Valencia aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and the Horta is at the centre of this vision. Sustainable production, reduction of environmental impact of farming activities, waste reduction, agroecological farming and reduction of chemicals are some of the strategies being developed.
GIAHS recognition has given our community the opportunity to imagine a brighter future for our area, its conservation, the maintenance of artisanal and traditional fisheries, representing above all an insurance for our cultural identity.
Amparo Aleixandre Secretary-General of the Community of Fisherfolks El Palmar
A variety of vegetables are grown in the Historical Irrigation System at the Horta of Valencia
©BRUNO ALMELA
The system has proved very resilient in crises. During the pandemic, very little impact was felt in the rural area. Proximity to the city, short value chains and consumption of local agricultural produce resulted in the capacity of the Horta to contribute to the food security of millions of people.
Daud Marwan Farmer and seller at Mosen-Sorell Market, Valencia, Spain
A traditional alqueria building was restored and became the headquarters of Consell de l’Horta, the newly created GIAHS management organization
©FAO-GIAHS SECRETARIAT
Vegetables from the Horta sold through Porta ApHorta
©FAO-GIAHS SECRETARIAT
The water channel in the Historical Irrigation System at the Horta of Valencia
©BRUNO ALMELA
LEARN MORE
Video impressions: The resilience of the Horta of Valencia in times of COVID-19
Local farmers’ market in the town of Godella
©FAO-GIAHS SECRETARIAT
RESOURCES
Europe and Central Asia | Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | GIAHS | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)