This paper presents the Protekarst method, by which karst protection zones can be mapped after quantifying their main geologi-cal, botanical, zoological, scenic, archaeological, hydrogeological, economic and social characteristics. The method was applied to a sierra in southern Spain. We describe the contribution made by the method to the design of new road infrastructure, and show that it enables us to compare alternative routes, to evaluate the impact made on karst values by previous road construction and to select suitable routes for paths or trails that pass through karst areas of special interest.
