Sustainable Forest Management in Portugal: transition from global policies to local participatory strategies

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper investigates how sustainable forest management is addressed within the legal tools and the institutional framework in Portugal, and proposes a methodology for enhancing stakeholder participation in forest management. Portuguese forest policy is dealt with at the national level, incorporating the international and European guidelines. Based on a review of relevant policy documents and legislation, three key-principles towards sustainability were identified according to the national context: the prevention and mitigation of forest resources threats; the enhancement of the full value of forests; and the promotion of stakeholder participation in forest policy-making. The analysis demonstrated that most of the principles coming from the supra-national agenda are already included in the national forest policy. Nevertheless, stakeholder participation in forest policy-making in Portugal has been very limited. This is reflected in a poor implementation of forest policies, leading to the need for...