COORDINATION MECHANISMS IN THE SPANISH BIOSPHERE RESERVES

The experience of the last few years has clearly underlined the difficulties inherent in trying to manage unique landscapes - whether heavily or sparsely populated - and their biological resources in isolation from their surroundings. Furthermore, this type of approach is counterproductive to any efforts to build community support for projects in the area. In order to adequately address management needs, a more holistic approach linked to integrated regional planning and development must be pursued. Seen from this perspective, protected areas take on the increasingly important role of pilot areas for developing and testing mechanisms for harmonization of public and private interest, co-ordination between the various management institutions working in the area, and regional and economic planning. Rather than being an end in themselves, these areas become part of a broader policy for land and natural resource use. The experience gained through their planning and management should transcend their boundaries and inform policies at a broader level. An example of this evolution in approach comes from the Montseny Biosphere Reserve, on the northeast of the Iberain Peninsula and on the periphery of a metropolitan area of close to five million inhabitants. Some of the issues examined include its influence on the development of regional models; its integration into regional planning; the use of its management plan as a co-ordinating tool; the conflicts from among the various interests involved in the implementation and approval of this plan; the formation of participatory mechanisms; and the testing of different management policies.