Institutional dynamics and technical skills in environmental and forestry planning in Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between ideological references, social networks, and institutional mechanisms in the formulation of public policies for environmental management. For this, we constructed a social history of the environmental protection sector examining the principal measures and regulations related to forestry policy. Biographical information was collected that was influential in developing and implementing such a policy. Research has revealed the importance of technical and professional considerations in environmental protection policies, and that these are directly associated with resources and links arising from political engagement and integration in the spheres of activity leaders and in networks of various organizations.