Experiences in participatory planning of designated areas: the Bavona Valley in Switzerland

The paper describes a regional forest planning experience in a designated a rea situated in an alpine environment, notable in particular for its natura l features and landscape characteristics. The first part illustrates recent developments in forest management in Switzerland with particular emphasis on the role of regional forest management planning. In the second part, pla nning procedures are described in detail, highlighting participatory aspect s. The final part assesses the validity of such a tool in the context of de signated areas.