Stemming the Tide. Opposition and Conflict in the Creation of Natural Protected Areas. A Case Study of the Natural Park of Puebla De San Miguel (Valencia), Spain

The declaration of a new Protected Area is a decision made by political authorities which does not always gain the consensus of the people who live in the area concerned. In this article, we will look at the barriers in establishing a fruitful dialogue between both parties, taking as an example the Natural Park of Puebla de San Miguel in the province of Valencia (Spain). We will also explain the reasons for the opposition among the local residents to this new Protected Area.