Spanish forestry planning dilemmas: technocracy and participation

Consecutive Spanish governments have been involved in the planning and implementation of extensive reforestation for wood production and soil and water conservation. The paper considers the constraints the policy of reforestation faces because of the growing evidence and debate about the need for participation and the changes in perception and values regarding the uses of forests. The Spanish State claims that involvement of land users in the decision-making process is desirable, however, case studies suggest that considerable obstacles prevent the idea of participation becoming the practice. Thus two case studies, one in the Basque Country and one in Castilla-la-Mancha, provide examples of how past autocratic procedures are still affecting planning and decision making, and thus claims of participation are often merely rhetorical. The paper concludes that there is little evidence of efforts made by forestry-related administrations to accommodate participatory practices, even when these have been sought by grass-roots organisations. Technocracy is thus frustrating the efforts of organisations rather than promoting or accommodating participation.