Dunes fixation and reforestation in the Southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, 1870-1930

Abstract

The Spanish and Portuguese forestry administrations cooperated in the late 19th century to carry out a series of pioneering reforestation projects in various dunes areas. Dunes forestry held a privileged place in administration thought and had material characteristics that lent themselves to standardized classification. The analysis of these projects in the Algarve and Andalucia showed very clearly how national and international communities of experts generated knowledge and new infrastructures about the dunes territory. Producing credible environmental knowledge at that time required an international network of disciplined experts. The dunes plantations constituted a groundbreaking accomplishment because of their potential to unify administration practices.