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Narrating abandoned land: Perceptions of natural forest regrowth in Southwestern Europe

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  • Frei, Theresa
  • Derks, Jakob
  • Rodríguez Fernández-Blanco, Carmen
  • Winkel, Georg

Abstract

The abandonment of agricultural land leads to landscape changes in many parts of Europe, often followed by natural forest regrowth. These landscape changes have far-reaching social and ecological consequences. Our research addresses the question of how local actor groups involved in land management perceive natural forest regrowth on abandoned land. Based on 42 interviews with local actors, we analyse narratives on natural forest regrowth in four case studies, one in France and three in Spain. Across the case studies, we find three narratives: a rural fatalism narrative, a pro forest management narrative and a pro nature narrative, each with its own problem definitions and solution strategies on natural forest regrowth. Our analysis reveals regional nuances, which depend on land use characteristics that shape the perceptions of local actor groups. We conclude that natural forest regrowth holds different symbolic functions, ranging from lost territory to recovered land. Any assessment of trade-offs and opportunities needs to consider the local situation. Furthermore, management and governance approaches need to acknowledge different cultural beliefs, which shape the perception of actor groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Frei, Theresa & Derks, Jakob & Rodríguez Fernández-Blanco, Carmen & Winkel, Georg, 2020. "Narrating abandoned land: Perceptions of natural forest regrowth in Southwestern Europe," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:99:y:2020:i:c:s026483771932383x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.105034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Metodi Sotirov & Georg Winkel, 2016. "Toward a cognitive theory of shifting coalitions and policy change: linking the advocacy coalition framework and cultural theory," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 49(2), pages 125-154, June.
    2. Elands, Birgit H. M. & Wiersum, K. Freerk, 2001. "Forestry and rural development in Europe: an exploration of socio-political discourses," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 3(1-2), pages 5-16, September.
    3. Tobias Plieninger & Cang Hui & Mirijam Gaertner & Lynn Huntsinger, 2014. "The Impact of Land Abandonment on Species Richness and Abundance in the Mediterranean Basin: A Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(5), pages 1-12, May.
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