The report introduces the concepts and results of a case study on riparian zones in Andalusia, Spain with focus on the assessment of actual environmental impact of Rural Development Agri-Environmental Measures (AEMs) by implementing spatial data and remote sensing based methods. The objective of the research work is to propose an array of possibilities to identify, assess and to map the impact of the Rural Development schemes related to the Community environmental priorities in contribution to the EC defined evaluation indicators. The present study suggests widening the concept of riparian zones into a larger riparian area including immediate surrounding land. The riparian zones of the Guadalquivir river network have been mapped and analyzed by using three types of spatial data. Confirmation of the association of extensive agricultural land use with better riparian system status as monitored through remote sensing vegetation phenology indicators is a step forward to spatially address riparian-use zone management and targeting of Agri-Environmental and water protection measures. Furthermore the results indicate the possibility of assessing the effectiveness of AEMs on erosion control in olive areas in southern Spain.JRC.H.7 - Land management and natural hazard
