Environmental Governance in Spain

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors consider the role of environmental policy and law in Spain. Broadly speaking, the environment has experienced fundamental changes, most notably after Spain?s accession to the European Union in 1986 because it lacked a coherent policy. Accordingly, a gap exists between legal and political commitments and existing mechanisms to provide effective protection for the environment. The chapter discusses other factors, such as the role of courts and of public participation procedures which undoubtedly affect a comprehensible development of environmental policy in Spain. The lack of coordination and willingness by the public authorities has exacerbated the current degradation of Spanish coasts and the irrational urban development that has taken place in last two decades. Public participation procedures lack flexibility to guarantee that representations are duly taken into account by the authorities. Keywords:environmental policy; public participation procedures; Spain