A commentary on Spain's 1975 Protection of Natural Spaces Act

Abstract The four categories of protected areas described in Spain's 1975 Protection of Natural Spaces Act are defined and the programme of action derived from the Law is outlined, specifying the characteristics which may lead to inclusion under the protection plans. Finally, the real situation two years after the Act is analysed and some conclusions are drawn. The situation for conservation is rather discouraging but the need for planning to give greater consideration to conservation values is becoming more and more generally accepted.