The term place can be used to refer to a site or an area. Natural , meanwhile, is that linked to nature.
We have to establish that these two words have the following etymological origin:
-Paraje, first of all, comes from Latin. Specifically, it was given shape with the union of these two elements: the verb "parare", which means "to dispose", and the suffix "-aje", which is used to indicate "action".
-Natural, secondly, also derives from Latin. In his case, it emanates from the word "naturalis", which can be translated as "relating to nature." It was given form by uniting these components: the adjective "natum", which is equivalent to "born"; the suffix "-ura", which is used to indicate "result of action", and the suffix "-al", which is synonymous with "relative to".
The idea of a natural area , in this framework, refers to a surface that is protected due to the relevance of its geology, its fauna or its flora . In this way, human activity in the region is limited with the objective of promoting the conservation of the place.
Beyond the use of the expression in colloquial language , the concept of natural setting can acquire specific meanings. In the autonomous community of Andalusia ( Spain ), for example, these are spaces protected by law due to their "unique values" .
With the intention of protecting the exceptional natural characteristics of these areas, the Andalusian parliament can declare a natural site and thus regulate human intervention.
The Isla Cristina Marismas Natural Area is one of these natural areas. It develops at the mouth of the Carreras estuary and has an area of more than 2,100 hectares .
This natural area is located in two municipalities: Isla Cristina and Ayamonte . It is characterized by its swampy terrain, flooded by the sea when there is high tide. Visitors can cycle or hike and have bird watching points to appreciate some of the animals that live there.
Other of the most important natural sites in Andalusia and Spain are these:
-Tabernas Desert. In the province of Almería is this enclave that stands out for being the only desert area on the entire European continent. It has just over 11,000 hectares and you can find everything from microcraters to fossil reefs, fairy chimneys and earthquakes.
-Torcal-Antequera Natural Area. It is located in the province of Málaga, specifically between Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción. It has about 2,180 hectares and is known for being one of the best examples of karst in all of Europe.
-Marismas del Odiel, which belong to the province of Huelva. Between Punta Umbría, Gibraleón and Aljaraque is this natural area, which exceeds 7,000 hectares and is classified as belonging to the so-called tidal marshes.
The La Murta y la Casella Municipal Natural Park , meanwhile, is located in Alcira , a municipality in the province of Valencia . On its surface of about 765 hectares you can find a very diverse flora .