Reconstruction of the land uses that led to the termination of an arid coastal dune system: The case of the Guanarteme dune system (Canary Islands, Spain), 1834-2012

Coastal areas have been under pressure throughout history. Today these environments are occupied by a large portion of the world population and are dramatically affected by human activities. For a better understanding of the natural evolution of coastal ecosystems and their present state, historical studies are necessary. For this purpose researchers should apply methods that combine different historical sources, such as historic mapping and oral sources. In this paper we examine land uses that led to the disappearance of an arid coastal dune system, and the way to study it. Results reveal that each different land use had a different impact on the environment, and this was in correspondence with socio-economic needs. Finally, we discuss the results obtained and the methodology used.