Abstract

RADICH, Maria Carlos  and  BAPTISTA, Fernando Oliveira. Forest and Society (1875-2005): Un Parcours (1875-2005). Silva Lus. [online]. 2005, vol.13, n.2, pp.143-157. ISSN 0870-6352.

This article attempts to link the different entities involved in the Portuguese forest ¾ the private, community, and state owners ¾ with functions expected from the forest ¾ support to agrarian systems, forest products, recreation, environment, conservation and symbolic interests ¾ and also the global result of forest expansion. In continental Portugal this growth in forest area may have increased from about 7% to approximately one third, between the period 1875 to 2005. During this time, the relationship between the subjects, functions and the growth of the forest changed. In respect to this, three periods, 1875-1938, 1938-1974 and 1974-2005 have been outlined. The rapid increase in forest area in the first of these periods was stimulated by the private owners interested in production forestry. In the following periods, forest growth continued, although at a slower pace, this time due to the contribution of the state. From 1875 to 1938, the state mainly oversaw the function of conservation and protection of the territory. After this period the state joined itself to the private owners with the purpose of utilising the productive forest. From 1938 to 1974, the environmental function started to be demanded by society as well as European agreements. In recent years the recreation factor has become stronger, and has caught the interest of private owners. As a support to agrarian systems the forest remained important until the 60's, afterwhich its significance declined.

Keywords : afforestation; forest; forest's functions; forest's owners; forest's policies.

        · abstract in Portuguese | French     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )