Quarry mining or nature conservation, emerging conflicts in Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park (Portugal)

<ns3:p>Background Recent literature highlights the long-standing presence of environmental conflicts related to mining in Portugal, with cases dating back to the 19th century. While various regions have experienced socio-environmental mobilisations, research has primarily focused on the impact of metalliferous mining on local development. In contrast, studies on the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park (PNSAC) primarily address the economic potential of ornamental limestone extraction, often overlooking associated environmental conflicts. Furthermore, despite the park's protected status and its integration within the Natura 2000 Network, few works explore the tensions between quarrying activities and environmental conservation. This reveals a notable gap in the literature regarding non-metalliferous mining and its socio-environmental implications in PNSAC—a gap this study seeks to address. This study examines the socio-territorial conflicts between quarry mining and nature conservation in Portugal’s Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, a protected area facing competing land-use demands. The research aims to address gaps in the understanding of conflicts related to non-metalliferous mining and their socio-environmental impacts. Methods Using qualitative content analysis, this study explores semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The snowball sampling technique is employed to identify relevant actors and assess their relationships. Results The findings reveal tensions between mining companies, park authorities, and local communities, which lead to territorial disputes. The study highlights the challenges of integrating mining and conservation in land-use policies, as well as the lack of clear benefits from local development initiatives. Additionally, it emphasizes the unequal distribution of environmental and social costs associated with extractive activities. Conclusion The research highlights the necessity for improved conflict management strategies in protected areas, contributing to broader discussions on sustainable land-use planning. It advocates for policies that balance economic interests with conservation efforts while addressing socio-territorial inequalities.</ns3:p>