Structure and methodology of a public information program (PIP) and the declaration of protected natural areas: The case of the Alto Tajo Natural Park, Spain

Protected natural areas (PNAs) are the most important strategy related to environmental conservation policies worldwide. For such a declaration to be made, Spanish law demands that a technically comprehensive specific natural resources plan (SNRP) be legally approved. The SNRP is a normative document with prevalence over the national, regional and local laws affecting the area. This prominent legal position guarantees the achievement of the nature conservation objectives. Since SNRP restricts human uses of the area, the SNRP is of great importance to local inhabitants and stakeholders. Their agreement is socially necessary if a rapid and trouble‐free declaration of PNA status is to be made. The most useful tool for seeking such agreement is a public information program (PIP). It must be well designed and developed to be successful. The main objectives of a PIP can be summarized with the following words or concepts. Justice: the PIP make come true the right of citizens to participate; adequacy: the PIP will improve the obtained planning; and effectiveness: the PIP is an effective instrument to achieve acquiescence of the affected population. To achieve the above objectives is necessary to design and develop the activities of PIP based on the following criteria. Consider local resident motivations and give personalized information. Promote participation and discussion regarding the purpose of the PNA. Establish transparency and representation. Implement planning, continuity, monitoring and control. A model for a PIP is proposed. This model is based on the experience gathered in the declaration of the Alto Tajo Natural Park in central Spain. It is useful for other proposed PNA. The main practical considerations for a PIP design – the different activities undertaken, as well as the most important factors in PIP success – are also described and discussed. The attempts to establish the Alto Tajo area with PNA status failed on three occasions (1974, 1981 and 1989) due mainly to the opposition of local residents and stakeholders. Following a PIP carried out between 1996 and 2000, local residents and stakeholders saw the declaration of the PNA in a very favourable light; and, finally, the Alto Tajo Natural Park was declared in 2000.