Common lands, landscape management and rural development: a case study in a mountain village in northwest Portugal

Joana Nogueira; José Pedro Araújo; Joaquim Mamede Alonso; Sara Simões

doi:10.3986/AGS.11081

Authors

Joana Nogueira Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo; PROMETHEUS Research Unit on Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability, Viana do Castelo, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0132-7139
José Pedro Araújo Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo; PROMETHEUS Research Unit on Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability, Viana do Castelo, Portugal; CIMO Mountain Research Centre, Viana do Castelo, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1232-3160
Joaquim Mamede Alonso Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo; PROMETHEUS Research Unit on Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability, Viana do Castelo, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4254-3508
Sara Simões Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo; PROMETHEUS Research Unit on Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability, Viana do Castelo, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2870-8284

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3986/AGS.11081

Keywords:

traditional commons, multifunctional landscape, rural development, mountain, Portugal

Abstract

Sustainable landscape management is a key aspect for the development of mountain areas, especially where communities historically held common lands. Mountains face depopulation and abandonment, and transition to multifunctional landscapes emerges as an opportunity. We present a village case study (NW Portugal) focusing on people’s perceptions and practices around the common land. Results confirm the common plays a central role in local identity, being perceived as shared heritage with potential to provide multiple benefits. Traditional uses and governance practices are prevalent, revealing inertia in adapting to new users and goals. Public support targeting common land management skills would facilitate these transitions, as well as to overcome lasting effects of former authoritarian regime.

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