UNED's course on the Bajo Segura orchard begins

Just a few weeks ago, the art course "Reivindicarte: A New Reading of Art" concluded. Previously, the course "The Mathematics That Surround Us" concluded, and in 2024, before Christmas, an active and practical course on yoga and literature was held, followed by an experiential course on "The Neuroscience of the Senses."

With the start of the May school year, the auditorium of the Torrevieja International Conservatory (the temporary headquarters of this National Distance Education University lecture hall) is once again filled with senior students, those who signed up to enjoy this eight-lecture seminar and a guided tour of the Segura landscapes of our region, assimilating unknown aspects of "The Huerta del Bajo Segura: Heritage Values of an Ancient Landscape, a Paradigm of Sustainability."

Professor of Human Geography at the University of Murcia, Dr. María Dolores Ponce Sánchez, and Professor at the University of Alicante, Dr. Gregorio Canales Martínez, authors of the best studies on the subject and on the cultural conflicts of urban development, will address issues related to material identity – territorial support and physiognomy – and immaterial identity – functionality and image.

The objectives of this course are diverse. On the one hand, to understand the forms and functions of the vegetable garden spaces that represent the hallmarks of most municipalities in the Vega Baja del Río Segura region, and to identify humanized landscapes and understand the role of human action in their adaptation to a semi-arid Mediterranean lacustrine environment, based on the physical and social characteristics of the vegetable garden agrosystem.

On the other hand, it seeks to understand and interpret the constants and changes in the territory through the learning of concepts and methods specific to the science of geography.

Likewise, by scheduling this series of sessions during the month of May, we seek to foster commitment and participation in decision-making processes regarding the active conservation of territorial capital that impacts population development: a living garden, with its sustainable activities and lifestyles.

Finally, this university outreach activity by UNED Torrevieja promotes the development of debate skills by exercising critical thinking and fostering recognition of the multiple heritage values of a millennia-old legacy.

Having these authoritative university voices is the culmination of an interesting academic year.

Among the attendees, there is a reserved quota for teaching staff, and places are already full. Also sold out are the guided tour, a bus tour of the municipalities of Bajo Segura, and a gastronomic gathering with a rural menu featuring local foods.

However, those wishing to register may be eligible to fill a vacancy and will be informed after contacting UNED Torrevieja: by email: torrevieja@elx.uned.es or by phone at 603 875 563.