Abstract

MELLO, Claiton José; LOPES, Luís Filipe Gomes  and  CRISTOVAO, Artur Fernando Arêde Correia. Communal Lands in Portugal: Between Depopulation and The Perspective of Development. Revista Crítica de Ciências Sociais [online]. 2023, n.130, pp.27-50.  Epub May 31, 2023. ISSN 2182-7435.  https://doi.org/10.4000/rccs.14411.

This article discusses the phenomenon of depopulation of rural territories in European countries, characterized by population aging, weak economic dynamics and environmental risks, and given this complex reality, highlights the situation of Portuguese communal lands, known as baldios, in areas usually characterized by interiority and rural decline. The study starts from a diverse literature on the theme of depopulation and development, combined with empirical research from observations undertaken in “baldios” in northern Portugal that are implementing the strategy of grouping. The research underscores the importance of the State and public policies as means to promote a development based on key processes of direct participation of communities and their organizations.

Keywords : communal lands; public policies; rural depopulation; territory and development.

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