Alexandra MARTA-COSTA*
* Corresponding author. University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD)
and Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD); Quinta dos Prados,
5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, www.utad.pt
amarta@utad.pt
Rui PINTO
University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD); Quinta dos Prados,
5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, www.utad.pt,
rpinto@utad.pt
Filipa TORRES MANSO
University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD); formerly of the CIMO and currently a researcher at CETRAD; Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, www.utad.pt,
ftorres@utad.pt
Manuel Luís TIBÉRIO
University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) and CETRAD; Quinta dos Prados,
5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, www.utad.pt,
mtiberio@utad.pt
Inês CARNEIRO
Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD); Quinta dos Prados,
5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal,
ines.carneiro@gmail.com
José PORTELA
University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) and CETRAD; Quinta dos Prados,
5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, www.utad.pt,
jfgportela@gmail.com
Abstract
One of the main impediments to a correct forest management has to do with serious gaps in public participation and stakeholders’ involvement in drawing up and carrying out public policies. The Natura 2000 Montemuro Mountain Site is paradigmatic of this situation. By looking at a set of interviews conducted to several entities with ties to the forest sector in that territory, this paper identifies their perception as regards the forest in Montemuro Mountain. Results show both the lack of participation and communication among the various stakeholders and the absenteeism of many forest owners as important factors conditioning forest management.