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.