Does higher owner participation increase conflicts over common land? An analysis of communal forests in Galicia (Spain)

Abstract

Communal forests or Montes Vecinales en Mano Común (MVMC) are a type of private collective land in Galicia (northwest Spain) representing approximately one-third of its forest land. There has been a series of changes in MVMC ownership and management throughout the 20th century. Uncertainty about ownership, changes in population and the presence of the Forestry Administration has caused deficiencies in management and increased conflict. This paper analysed MVMC management in 1731 parishes in Galicia. The digital records of local and regional newspapers were used to compile a database of 2734 news reports related to MVMC issues. The results of hypothesis testing and spatial analysis showed that population, agricultural activity and land use affected management and conflict rates. This paper discusses how active management and conflict are complementary models, and how the presence or absence of one or the other is a determining factor in the situation of each parish. It concludes that it is necessary to implement management models and strategies to minimize conflict and increase active management for sustainable forest development in the region.