Static laws in dynamic environments (bridging science to legislation)

Abstract

Of the numerous problems affecting environmental management, inadequate base legislation is but one. However, it is a key factor that should deserve greater attention both from scientists and policy-makers, since it may severely impair effective management efforts, especially in such dynamic environments as coastal areas. The case of the Tróia peninsula (SW Portugal) is presented to illustrate how (inadequate) legislation effectively impairs management. The need for a new praxis in policy-making is discussed.