Primeros pasos para la conservación y puesta en valor del paisaje cultural de las bejeras en Larraga (Navarra)

Resumo

Larraga is located in the centre of Navarra (Spain), on the banks of the River Arga. It has been a town mainly dedicated to agricultural production, since ancient times. Some rural buildings disseminated throughout its territory stand out for their singularity among all the constructions with agricultural character. They are some related to beekeeping activity. These constructions integrate an entire system of buildings whose objectives are to lodge stable swarms of bees: bejeras (beehives), acclimatization cells or ventureros, wells and huts seek their accommodation in the territory, opening to the most favourable orientation. Its constructive characteristics are linked to the materials provided by the territory and traditional techniques, almost disappeared. Nowadays, although beekeeping activity has almost disappeared in Larraga, but these vestiges have a great ethnographic and cultural interest. They constitute an element of identity of Larraga population, and they are a referent of an economy linked to the territory and its sustainability over time. Aware of the importance of its conservation, the City Council has begun a series of actions with the aim of preserving this rich and unique heritage, spreading it and making it known. This article exposes the conclusions of the work carried out so far for the conservation and enhancement of this heritage, as well as its future challenges.