Imagen social del delito ecológico en los parques naturales de la CAV y la Reserva de la Biosfera de Urdaibai

Abstract

A research about the social image of ecological crime was carried out in Protected Natural Areas of the Basque Country. 350 users of these areas answered a questionnaire including a list of supposedly damaging events for the natural environment. The users evaluated the ecological and criminal seriousness of each event, and expressed their opinion about the Justice’s answer to environmental offences that could happen in these Natural Areas. Results were contrasted with the consideration that such events have in the Spanish Criminal Law. Events were classified into three groups: (I) events that constitute offence, (II) events that would require legal interpretation, because there is no provision for those specific situations in the legislation, and (III) events that do not constitute offence. The perception of seriousness for these events aggressive for the environment –in relation to their negative consequences and foreseen sanction- was analyzed in comparison with the juridical and criminal treatment that would have in reality. The conclusions presented in this article are the result of that analysis.