Planning territorial policies against inner areas depopulation in Spain: keys for sustainable management of cultural and environmental resources

Abstract

Depopulation is a phenomenon that seriously affects the Spanish rural environment, especially in inner areas of the country. The consequences of this phenomenon have an impact on these communities at all levels, including the management of their cultural and natural heritage. However, this heritage has great potential to contribute to the regeneration of these populations and their economic activity. In this paper, we will first analyze the various sectoral planning instruments that attempt to face the problem of depopulation, in order to evaluate the degree of sensitivity offered towards the needs and the potentialities of cultural heritage. Secondly, we will proceed to assess the level of efficiency of the articulation of these planning instruments. Finally, we will propose guideline principles to achieve a suitable treatment of these resources.