Published 02 October 2026 | Community

TL;DR: The Marca Pueblo project is helping Almeria’s interior villages identify unique local strengths to foster development and encourage residents to stay or return.

Reviving Almeria’s Interior Villages

Seeing Value in Local Identity

José Luis Caparrós, a researcher at the University of Almeria and professor of Applied Economics, highlights something often overlooked: the true wealth of Almeria’s interior villages. Familiar scenes—picturesque landscapes, long-standing family businesses, and strong community ties—are frequently taken for granted even by locals. The Marca Pueblo project aims to change that perspective by working directly with town councils to uncover and understand these hidden assets. The goal is not simply to promote the villages but to create sustainable development paths based on what makes each place unique.

Tailored Strategies for Each Municipality

The project includes 18 villages across Almeria’s diverse regions. A key finding of the research is that no two villages are the same, even within the same comarca. Each community has made distinct choices that suit its environment and traditions. For instance, Lubrin has focused on livestock and organic farming, while Laroya has developed rural tourism. Seron invests in organic production, and Purchena distinguishes itself with a rich cultural program. Because of this diversity, Marca Pueblo avoids a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it works with each municipality to design specific strategies that align with local strengths and opportunities.

Unseen Potential in Natural and Cultural Heritage

Many villages are sitting on valuable resources that haven’t been fully appreciated. Their natural heritage is notable, often comparable to well-known mountain areas, with environmental services that benefit the entire province. These include landscapes, biodiversity, and ecological resources that can offer both economic and quality-of-life advantages. In addition, cultural traditions, festivals, and artisanal products form an important part of the identity that Marca Pueblo aims to preserve and enhance.

Addressing Depopulation Challenges

One of the pressing issues in Almeria’s rural areas is depopulation. Young people often leave for cities, and older generations dwindle. Marca Pueblo is working to reverse this by creating reasons for people to stay or return. By promoting local jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, and enhancing community resources, the project hopes to strengthen social and economic ties. This approach is not just about retaining residents but also about building vibrant villages capable of adapting and thriving in changing times.

Sharing Almeria’s Experience Beyond the Province

José Luis Caparrós recently brought the lessons from Marca Pueblo to the National Congress of Mountain Municipalities in Palencia. His participation illustrated how Almeria’s experience can inspire other regions facing similar challenges. The project’s emphasis on local identity, tailored development, and community involvement offers a replicable model for rural regeneration. This exchange also underscores the importance of university collaboration in solving real local problems.

By re-examining what’s close at hand, Marca Pueblo opens new paths for Almeria’s villages—showing that small towns still hold significant promise in today’s world.

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