Ciudadanía y defensa del territorio. La experiencia del medio vinalopó (Alicante)

Abstract

The most recent period of urban expansion in Spain, which started in the 1990s, has caused profound and extensive change to the land, with deep economic and environmental impacts and increasing concern among citizens about the dynamics involved. This article presents an analysis of citizens' reactions to the rapid and profound territorial changes which have occurred within a specific region encompassing various municipalities in Alicante. Civic groups concerned with land protection form the basic unit of analysis. Direct observation of these groups will assist in understanding the main territory-related problems and land policy, and also in drawing up recommendations for dialogue between land management officials and civic actors.