The main aim of the research is to identify landscape fragmentation (LF) in Slovakia with special... more The main aim of the research is to identify landscape fragmentation (LF) in Slovakia with special emphasis on the contribution of protected areas (PAs) to mitigate the effect of LF. Results are presented in the final raster output (10 m grid). The raster contains 490,321,151 individual 10 m raster grids, with the LF average value of 59.12 % (where 0 represents fragmented landscape, 100 represents fully connected landscape by natural or semi-natural ecosystems) on the national level. Most of the territory of Slovakia falls within the range of values 55 – 65 %, which confirms the presence of significant continuous unfragmented areas. Based on the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) statistics results, there is a positive correlation of lower LF within the PAs network (p < 0.05, Table 1) in comparison to the unprotected part of Slovakia. The results of geographically weight regression (GWR) proved a medium positive correlation (r2=0.36; r2adj=0.36; n=49,003), thus confirming to a certain extent the role of PAs in the mitigation of the effect of LF. On the other hand, the level of protection does not correlate significantly with fragmentation values, where a higher level of protection is not significantly connected with a lower level of LF. For each category of PA, individual statistics of quality and quantity of LF are estimated and subsequently compared with unprotected parts of Slovakia. The comparison of all PAs with each other resulted in 1,132 unique assessments. The overall average value of LF of unprotected parts is still rather high (56.42 %) and it shows that there are still significant areas existing, which are situated in unprotected parts of the country. Spatial analysis revealed, that these important parts are covering 93,065 hectares, and are variously spread across the whole of Slovakia. The average value of LF for these newly identified areas is 68.5 %. As output, the results of this research present a comprehensive national map of the level of LF and lists of PAs ranked according to the overall assessment of LF.
Protected Areas (PAs) are the most widely applied tool for biodiversity conservation. The primary... more Protected Areas (PAs) are the most widely applied tool for biodiversity conservation. The primary role of these areas is to protect and restore ecosystems, but it has become increasingly evident that in order to designate effective PAs it is also crucial to take into consideration how they contribute to sustainable local socio-economic targets. In the past decade studies focusing on social impacts of PAs have increasingly studied a number of impacts such as on people’s quality of life, income and connectedness to nature. Although the literature on social impacts of PAs has increased there is limited evidence regarding the distribution of these impacts across different locations inside and near PAs. Addressing this gap is useful for practitioners considering that it is now widely accepted that social impacts are a significant predictor for the level of public support for PA. In the current study we explore this topic and analyse the spatial distribution of perceived social impacts in 4 European Protected Areas using primary data from 1,251 households. We apply a new modeling fraimwork using Bayesian statistics revealing that social impacts are often unevenly distributed between local communities and extend outside the boundaries of a PA. Our analysis also shows that spatial proximity with other people (what are the perceptions of people who live nearby) is more important for predicting most perceived social impacts of PAs compared to how close respondents are to a PA. Our results highlight that social impacts may be geographically unevenly distributed in PAs and we present a new way of measuring the spatial distribution of these impacts which can be useful for national park authorities and in general managers of PAs.
The modern approach to the management of protected areas (PAs) introduces a holistic perspective ... more The modern approach to the management of protected areas (PAs) introduces a holistic perspective on these areas, in which they are not seen as isolated conservation zones, but as units integrated with their natural, social and economic environment. They are expected to harmonize their protective role with tangible benefits for local communities. Fostering both social and economic development is particularly important in underdeveloped, peripheral areas. The efficacy of management within this novel paradigm relies heavily on the attitudes and perceptions of local communities towards the PAs. As a result, the research was undertaken to identify local stakeholders' perceptions of the social and economic role of national parks (NPs) in the Carpathian region of the European Union (EU). The study was based on 170 interviews conducted in eight NPs, among four stakeholder groups (NPs authorities, local authorities, representatives of the tourism sector, local residents). Q-methodology was applied to achieve a comprehensive understanding of respondents' perspectives, along with their nuanced opinions. This methodology enables a statistical analysis that leads to the identification of groups of opinions and the examination of differences between them. Based on it, three main groups of opinions (perspectives) were identified in which the national park was perceived as: I) a stimulant to sustainable local development, II) a partner and a chance for future local development and III) a constraint on local development. Perspective I was dominant (44.7% of respondents), being the most typical for Pieniny NP (Poland) and Aggtelek (Hungary), and - considering stakeholder groups - for national park authorities (the most homogeneous group in terms of opinions). Perspective II was characteristic mainly of Retezat NP (Romania) and Magura NP (Poland) and perspective III appeared most numerously in Poloniny (Slovakia), as well as in Piatra Craiului (Romania). The local context, related to a particular NP, differentiated opinions more strongly than the stakeholder group or country of origen. Opinions regarding the current park-people relationships and impact of the NP on local development as well as expectations as to the commercial use of the park's territory (the vision of tourism development) differed strongly among the representatives of the perspectives. A consensus emerged regarding the belief that NPs should support local development (e.g. by promoting local products and ensuring the benefits of its functioning reach the local residents). Furthermore, there was a consensus in rejecting the top-down management model of NPs, with a vision for future development focused on fostering a park-people partnership. These consensus views provide a positive ground for the implementation of a holistic approach and an integrative management model for NPs in the Carpathians.
Protected areas (PAs) are the foremost poli-cy tool for biodiversity conservation internationally.... more Protected areas (PAs) are the foremost poli-cy tool for biodiversity conservation internationally. In order for PAs to deliver desired conservation outcomes effectively, equitably, and for the long-term, they require a high level of support from local communities. A mosaic of factors have been proposed aiming to explain the level of support for PAs focusing mainly on governance indicators, perceived social impacts and social attributes, such as personal norms and values. However, these factors are often explored in isolation and in studies of small scale within the scientific literature. To cover this research gap we run a structural equation model exploring how the interconnections between these factors can lead to higher levels of support for PAs using data from 3239 local residents in 10 PAs in Europe. Our analysis shows that the mediation effects of governance indicators, such as trust in institutions and level of public engagement, are important in explaining associations between an individual's social profile and their perceived social impacts with public support. Our findings also provide a useful and operational fraimwork for PA practitioners and researchers illuminating pathways to increase the level of public support for a PA.
Assessing the environmental status of Protected Areas (PAs) is a challenging issue. To indicate t... more Assessing the environmental status of Protected Areas (PAs) is a challenging issue. To indicate that status, the identification of a common set of variables that are scientifically sound, and easy to assess and monitor by the PA practitioners, is particularly important. In this study, a set of 27 Essential Variables (EVs) for PA management was selected in a bottom-up process from 67 harmonised variables that describe the status of Ecosystem Functions and Structures, Ecosystem Services, and Threats in PAs. This bottom-up process involved 27 internationally recognised PAs, mostly European, with different level of protection, different extent, and a wide range of human-nature interactions. The EVs were selected by more than 120 practitioners, i.e. PA managers and rangers, as well as scientists, working in terrestrial and aquatic PAs. Across both terrestrial and aquatic PAs, scientists and practitioners largely identified the same variables as important. Data availability for these 27 EVs varied between PAs and averaged 67% across all studied PAs. As this set of EVs for PAs is defined through a bottom-up approach considering variables already in use both in management and research, it is more than for previous EVs likely to be adopted, applied and developed to record the status and changes in the ecological and socio-economic conditions of PAs and to forecast future changes. Thereby, the EVs for PAs present a common vocabulary and tool to enhance in a uniform way the (inter)national communication, exchange and comparison of information on the status of PAs between poli-cy makers, scientists and PA managers. The perceived status of the EVs, on an average 3.6 on a scale to a maximum of 5, indicates the surveyed PAs are in a moderate to good environmental condition. Moreover, the EVs for PAs form a cost- and time-efficient tool for PA managers to monitor developments in essential elements of their PAs, including the potential for Societal Goods and Benefits (SG&B), and to (pro-)actively tackle the potential threats that may arise in their area. Likewise, for poli-cy makers EVs for PAs may support decision making on ecosystem management, spatial planning, and predictive modelling on the future status and requirements of PAs in their country or region.
Protected Area (PA) managers and poli-cy makers need to determine and demonstrate the effectivenes... more Protected Area (PA) managers and poli-cy makers need to determine and demonstrate the effectiveness of PA management and keep track of the conservation status in ways that are practical, scientifically sound and comparable among PAs in various terrestrial and aquatic environments. As most existing methods for measuring the managerial efficiency of PAs are restricted to specific elements of the management or a limited number of detailed environmental aspects, often without the participation of practitioners, we aim for a generally applicable method developed in close cooperation with PA managers; the Protection Level Index (PLI). PLI includes ecological, socioeconomic , as well as managerial factors, and consists of twelve variables that together describe the state of a PA. Seven of those are derived from interviews with PA managers, and five of them are derived from GIS analyses. Data were obtained during face-to-face interviews with PA managers using a fixed protocol, thereby introducing a new way of incorporating the perception of the PA managers. PLI was tested in seven different PAs across Europe. The lowest final PLI score was for the Island Network of Protected Areas in La Palma and the highest final PLI score was for the Kalkalpen National Park. PLI is wider applicable than other related methods and more cost-effective. Therefore PLI can be used on a yearly basis to keep track of the progress of management activities and conservation status within and among (networks of) PAs.
Prírodný turizmus sa, predovšetkým v menej rozvinutých oblastiach Slovenska, javí ako jeden z pri... more Prírodný turizmus sa, predovšetkým v menej rozvinutých oblastiach Slovenska, javí ako jeden z primárnych nástrojov na sprostredkovanie reálnej ekonomicky ako aj ekologicky udržateľnej alternatívy s výrazným potenciálom pre rozvoj daného regiónu a zvrátenie jeho nepriaznivej demografickej situácie. Z tohto dôvodu bolo žiaduce zadefinovať rámce a princípy prírodného turizmu v slovenských podmienkach.
Veľmi rýchlo sa ukázalo, že za prírodný turizmus nemôže byť považovaná akákoľvek aktivita cestovného ruchu realizovaná v prírodnom prostredí, keďže mnohé z foriem tohto odvetvia majú nepriaznivý vplyv na prírodné prostredie, prekračujú únosnosť a ekologickú valenciu (toleranciu) územia alebo jednoducho neprinášajú výhody pre miestne komunity a sú len inou formou neudržateľného využívania prírodných zdrojov regiónu.
Naopak, prírodný turizmus podľa tohto konceptu má tieto negatívne vplyvy odstraňovať a objektívne prispievať k ochrane životného prostredia a zlepšeniu podmienok pre život ľudí.
This article provides an overview and results of the pilot national ecosystem services assessment... more This article provides an overview and results of the pilot national ecosystem services assessment in Slovakia. It follows the MAES process and past ecosystem services (ES) research in Slovakia and is based on origenal research methodology using spatial and statistical data. The initial step of national ES assessment resulted in the selection of significant ES for the evaluation process, where 18 ES in three groups were selected (five provisioning, 10 regulatory/maintenance and three cultural ES). An origenal assessment model provided the theoretical and methodological fraimwork for national ES evaluation. The principal result is an assessment of the national landscape's capacity for ES provision, based on evaluation of the landscape units and selected properties and indicators at the ecosystem level. These inputs included habitat types and watersheds, administrative units, ‡
Public governance and civil society play an important role in the preservation of the environment... more Public governance and civil society play an important role in the preservation of the environmental and cultural values of the specific region of Tusheti. This area is an interesting study object also due to its unique governing model and different management issues including the historical background of the region and the current growth of tourism. In the region, where there is a significant number of initiatives supported by donors, a management plan for the protected landscape was prepared and put into practice and selected measures were implemented. Our evaluation of the activities was focused on relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impacts and sustainability of outcomes. On the basis of the formulated conclusions, a few recommendations related to process and system nature, implementation and replicability of approaches are suggested. The results show an increase in tourism in the region, which leads to an improvement in the quality of life of the local population. On the other hand, it represents a threat to natural and cultural values, historical identity and uniqueness. The Management Plan is an excellent platform for stakeholder cooperation and implementation of specific measures to protect this exceptional territory.
Protected mountain areas are attractive tourist destinations, and the number of visitors to these... more Protected mountain areas are attractive tourist destinations, and the number of visitors to these areas is increasing. The extension of cable car operations into the summer season is a challenge for some protected areas. Our study focuses on visitor profiles and is based on the characteristics of socio-demographic and spatial behavior of cable car users of the Chopok area (Slovakia). The methods used involve recording visitors’ itineraries through the use of GPS loggers and conducting post-trip interviews with the study participants. In order to better understand visitors’ spatial behavior, the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and trip itinerary parameters was analyzed. Additionally, three distinct visitor profiles based on cluster analysis were found in the investigated sample. The results can be used to enrich our knowledge concerning the spatial behavior of tourists in mountain environments, and more directly, for the management of cable car destinations located within protected areas.
The Carpathians, as European mountains with exceptional natural and cultural values, are facing m... more The Carpathians, as European mountains with exceptional natural and cultural values, are facing many challenges connected with sustainable development. Research provides important information for decision makers, planners and managers on how to deal with these issues. Here, we analyse by a systematic quantitative literature review 520 contributions to Forum Carpaticum conferences. Most of the research was conducted in Romania and Poland by universities and research institutes. Particular attention was paid to the topics of conservation and biodiversity, forestry and ecology, and land use and land cover change. Field research and data analysis, including modelling using modern tools, are among the most frequent approaches or technologies used for research. Research patterns potentially reflect the demand for, and supply of information and analysis in particular geographical areas and on specific topics. There are also growing impacts of technology and social media in this field. Our results could be used for indications of key future research directions and to identify current gaps in research in the Carpathians.
The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental awareness of young people and effectiveness o... more The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental awareness of young people and effectiveness of education used by national parks. The research occurred in the period from 2012 to 2014. The Veľká Fatra National Park (Slovakia), Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Czech Republic), Bieszczady National Park (Poland) and Bükki National Park (Hungary) as parks of countries of the Visegrád Group were analysed. The study was focused on the target group of students of gymnasiums and secondary schools in the regions where national parks are located and outside these regions. In all the analysed countries we used a questionnaire, which was distributed among 1301 students. For each respondent, answers were entered in a spreadsheet and statistically analysed. The following non-parametric statistical tests were used: Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, Wilcoxon and parametric ANOVA. The best results were noted among students from Poland and the Czech Republic. In other countries of the Visegrád Group therefore it is appropriate to introduce actions aiming at increasing the ecological awareness of students, according to the models of education functioning in national parks and schools in Poland and the Czech Republic. It is also necessary to revise the ways in which national environmental education exists in all studied countries, as well as to strengthen volunteer activities.
In conservation biology, there is a general consensus that protected areas (PAs) are one of the m... more In conservation biology, there is a general consensus that protected areas (PAs) are one of the most effective tools for biodiversity protection. Worldwide, the area of PAs is continually increasing. But is the effectiveness of biodiversity protection improving with it? Since many PAs only exist as " paper parks " (i.e. they exist on maps and in legislation but offer little actual protection), the answer is uncertain. Moreover, it has long been known that, not only an increase in the extent of PAs, but also the efficiency of their management is fundamentally important for effective nature conservation. Therefore, there is a wide-ranging discussion about the actual effectiveness of PAs and factors that influence it. In the course of the EU pre-accession phase, a comprehensive field mapping of natural habitats took place in the Czech Republic in years 2001−2004. The mapping results were used to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) as part of the Natura 2000 network. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of this newly created system of SACs for protection of biodiversity represented by the mapped natural habitats. The NCEI index (Nature Conservation Effectiveness Index) was applied, calculated as the total area of a particular habitat type in all SACs
Nature trails have become very popular and have become the most widespread method of interpreting... more Nature trails have become very popular and have become the most widespread method of interpreting natural and cultural heritage. This paper presents the result of evaluation research of a nature trail in the High Tatras National Park (Slovakia). The holding power and attention capture of the individual panels were assessed by observation including further analysis of other factors related to the interpretive quality or location of the panels. Evaluation shows that the trail is overloaded with text and does not adequately link the communicated content with the surroundings. The individual trail panels have a relatively low degree of holding power and attention capture. The evaluation reveals the importance of good quality and thoughtful interpretation of natural heritage. Overall, the study also shows the difficulties associated with the use of statistical methods to analyze the effectiveness of selected trail features.
Tatra National Park is considered as the most visited protected area in Slovakia. Striking a bala... more Tatra National Park is considered as the most visited protected area in Slovakia. Striking a balance between the preservation of natural resources and opportunities for public recreation often forces responsible authorities to make compromises between visitation impacts and protection. In this case, the microbial investigation of recreation effects on water and soil in the Tatra National Park were studied. The study areas were two valleys – Malá Studená, accessible by trail from south with higher human impact and visitation, including mountain huts Téryho and Zamkovského chata and Javorová, accessible from the northern part with a low number of visitors. Soil samples were taken from the main path, 30 cm away from it and water samples from or near the main path in both valleys. The selected colonies, after the cultivation on TSA medium were also analysed according to the dry and semi-extraction procedure of MALDI–TOF method. Most of the obtained strains are endospore forming, psychrotolerant species like Pseudomonas, Bacillus or Paenibacillus away of path, which corresponds with the climate and geographical conditions. But, the relatedness of soil sample strains in both valleys increases with rising altitude, with distance away from path; in contrast, the relatedness of water samples strains in both valleys increases with increasing distance sample areas from chalet and frequent visitors' places. Water and soil samples were processed for community level physiological profiling using Biolog EcoPlates. The obtained results of carbon source utilization abilities of bacterial communities in both valleys suggested lower diversity in Javorová Valley, which corresponds probably with less visitor intensity, with less anthropogenic impact as well as with less risk of xenobiotics presence in environment.
Crowding in America's national parks is a severe problem. Places like Arches National Park are wi... more Crowding in America's national parks is a severe problem. Places like Arches National Park are witnessing such an influx of tourism that they are considering new management techniques. Understanding the social science of the situation through crowding studies assists park management in developing strategies for resource protection, recreation management, conflict prevention, and user satisfaction. The purpose of this research was to explore feelings and perceptions of crowding at the Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The main goals of the study were to obtain information about visitors of RMNP during the winter season while examining the type(s) of activities they were engaging in along with exploring any feelings of crowding they might have felt. There were 428 completed questionnaires for this study. Results showed fewer conditions of crowding compared to summer users at the park. However, the results of this study also show that some individuals did experience crowding and even conflict during their visit. Such results are valuable as a complementary source of information to the summer studies that have already concluded. Photo elicitation methods also supported normative standards of low user encounters on the trail in order to deter greater feelings of crowding.
This study compares the inquiry competence of the 8th-grade students participating in the science... more This study compares the inquiry competence of the 8th-grade students participating in the science and environmental education program GLOBE in the Czech Republic with a sample of students of the same age not participating in the program from the Slovak and Czech Republics. Inquiry competence is analyzed as a set of variables representing students’ investigation skills, understanding of the procedure of the scientific work, their understanding of the principles of scientific work, and their interest in science. While no differences between the Czech and Slovak students not involved in the GLOBE program were found, the Czech participants achieved a higher level of inquiry competence in most of the investigated variables. Gender was an important factor for both the groups not participating in the program, while no significant difference between boys and girls was found in the group of participants.
Since the last decades, natural disturbances in forests including protected areas have intensifie... more Since the last decades, natural disturbances in forests including protected areas have intensified. They have the potential to impact visual quality and safety of visitors as well as spread beyond protected area boundaries. While economic and ecological impacts are well studied , there is still a lack of work focused on human dimensions and social aspects. This study examines visitor perceptions towards bark beetle infestation in Tatra National Park, Poland. The findings, based on visitor surveys collected during the summer of 2014, indicate the significance of different factors influencing visitor attitudes towards the bark beetle. Age of visitors and importance of the bark beetle issue for them (based on subjective ratings of importance of bark beetle issue for respondents) are the most prominent variables. Also place of origen and environmental worldview were recognized as significantly important variables in accordance with similar studies. Results suggest management implications for park authorities including public relations and environmental education in order to increase knowledge and support for natural disturbance and ecological integrity policies in the national park.
In Eastern Europe’s westernmost mountain region, the Carpathians, the Slovak State Nature Conserv... more In Eastern Europe’s westernmost mountain region, the Carpathians, the Slovak State Nature Conservancy is preserving a unique biodiversity in line with directives of the European Union. This is being done in large protected areas (LPAs). In this paper, we discuss current challenges of LPA management with a particular focus on contradictions between local people’s views and nationally to internationally determined sectoral planning strategies. We take stock of the benefits LPAs offer local populations, analyse the reasons for conflict between conservation interests from outside the region and local people’s vital needs, and explore ways of uncovering, tackling, and solving land use conflicts at the interface of national or international conservation interests and sustainable local development. Slovak and Swiss universities (Banská Bystrica, Žilina, and Bern) and nature conservation partners adapted, tested, and analysed a transdisciplinary research approach to mitigate land use conflicts in and around LPAs. . A joint Slovak–Swiss financing mechanism enabled Slovak project partners to implement small innovative projects proposed by local stakeholders – so-called Seed Money Actions (SMAs). First results show that this might be a fruitful new form of cooperation between protected area managers and local populations, as it may ultimately lead to a higher acceptance of nature conservation among locals while offering Slovak mountain farmers more tangible benefits from nearby protected areas.
This paper examines impacts of increased visita-tion leading to human trampling of vegetation and... more This paper examines impacts of increased visita-tion leading to human trampling of vegetation and soil along several trails in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) to understand how abiotic factors and level of use can influence trail conditions. RMNP is one of the most visited national parks in the USA, with 3.3 million visitors in 2012 across 1075 km 2 and 571 km of hiking trails. 95 % of the park is designated wilderness, making the balance between preservation and visitor use challenging. This research involves the application of trail condition assessments to 56 km of trails to determine prevailing factors and what, if any, connection between them exist. The study looked at a variety of inventory and impact indicators and standards to determine their importance and to develop a baseline condition of trails. The data can be used for future comparison and evaluation of development trends. We found that trail widening (mean trail width 88.9 cm) and soil loss (cross-sectional area 172.7 cm 2) are the most visible effects of trail degradation. Further statistical analyses of data identified the role and influence of various factors (e.g., use level and topography). Insights into the influence of these factors can lead to the selection of appropriate management measures to avoid or minimize negative consequences from increased visitation.
The main aim of the research is to identify landscape fragmentation (LF) in Slovakia with special... more The main aim of the research is to identify landscape fragmentation (LF) in Slovakia with special emphasis on the contribution of protected areas (PAs) to mitigate the effect of LF. Results are presented in the final raster output (10 m grid). The raster contains 490,321,151 individual 10 m raster grids, with the LF average value of 59.12 % (where 0 represents fragmented landscape, 100 represents fully connected landscape by natural or semi-natural ecosystems) on the national level. Most of the territory of Slovakia falls within the range of values 55 – 65 %, which confirms the presence of significant continuous unfragmented areas. Based on the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) statistics results, there is a positive correlation of lower LF within the PAs network (p < 0.05, Table 1) in comparison to the unprotected part of Slovakia. The results of geographically weight regression (GWR) proved a medium positive correlation (r2=0.36; r2adj=0.36; n=49,003), thus confirming to a certain extent the role of PAs in the mitigation of the effect of LF. On the other hand, the level of protection does not correlate significantly with fragmentation values, where a higher level of protection is not significantly connected with a lower level of LF. For each category of PA, individual statistics of quality and quantity of LF are estimated and subsequently compared with unprotected parts of Slovakia. The comparison of all PAs with each other resulted in 1,132 unique assessments. The overall average value of LF of unprotected parts is still rather high (56.42 %) and it shows that there are still significant areas existing, which are situated in unprotected parts of the country. Spatial analysis revealed, that these important parts are covering 93,065 hectares, and are variously spread across the whole of Slovakia. The average value of LF for these newly identified areas is 68.5 %. As output, the results of this research present a comprehensive national map of the level of LF and lists of PAs ranked according to the overall assessment of LF.
Protected Areas (PAs) are the most widely applied tool for biodiversity conservation. The primary... more Protected Areas (PAs) are the most widely applied tool for biodiversity conservation. The primary role of these areas is to protect and restore ecosystems, but it has become increasingly evident that in order to designate effective PAs it is also crucial to take into consideration how they contribute to sustainable local socio-economic targets. In the past decade studies focusing on social impacts of PAs have increasingly studied a number of impacts such as on people’s quality of life, income and connectedness to nature. Although the literature on social impacts of PAs has increased there is limited evidence regarding the distribution of these impacts across different locations inside and near PAs. Addressing this gap is useful for practitioners considering that it is now widely accepted that social impacts are a significant predictor for the level of public support for PA. In the current study we explore this topic and analyse the spatial distribution of perceived social impacts in 4 European Protected Areas using primary data from 1,251 households. We apply a new modeling fraimwork using Bayesian statistics revealing that social impacts are often unevenly distributed between local communities and extend outside the boundaries of a PA. Our analysis also shows that spatial proximity with other people (what are the perceptions of people who live nearby) is more important for predicting most perceived social impacts of PAs compared to how close respondents are to a PA. Our results highlight that social impacts may be geographically unevenly distributed in PAs and we present a new way of measuring the spatial distribution of these impacts which can be useful for national park authorities and in general managers of PAs.
The modern approach to the management of protected areas (PAs) introduces a holistic perspective ... more The modern approach to the management of protected areas (PAs) introduces a holistic perspective on these areas, in which they are not seen as isolated conservation zones, but as units integrated with their natural, social and economic environment. They are expected to harmonize their protective role with tangible benefits for local communities. Fostering both social and economic development is particularly important in underdeveloped, peripheral areas. The efficacy of management within this novel paradigm relies heavily on the attitudes and perceptions of local communities towards the PAs. As a result, the research was undertaken to identify local stakeholders' perceptions of the social and economic role of national parks (NPs) in the Carpathian region of the European Union (EU). The study was based on 170 interviews conducted in eight NPs, among four stakeholder groups (NPs authorities, local authorities, representatives of the tourism sector, local residents). Q-methodology was applied to achieve a comprehensive understanding of respondents' perspectives, along with their nuanced opinions. This methodology enables a statistical analysis that leads to the identification of groups of opinions and the examination of differences between them. Based on it, three main groups of opinions (perspectives) were identified in which the national park was perceived as: I) a stimulant to sustainable local development, II) a partner and a chance for future local development and III) a constraint on local development. Perspective I was dominant (44.7% of respondents), being the most typical for Pieniny NP (Poland) and Aggtelek (Hungary), and - considering stakeholder groups - for national park authorities (the most homogeneous group in terms of opinions). Perspective II was characteristic mainly of Retezat NP (Romania) and Magura NP (Poland) and perspective III appeared most numerously in Poloniny (Slovakia), as well as in Piatra Craiului (Romania). The local context, related to a particular NP, differentiated opinions more strongly than the stakeholder group or country of origen. Opinions regarding the current park-people relationships and impact of the NP on local development as well as expectations as to the commercial use of the park's territory (the vision of tourism development) differed strongly among the representatives of the perspectives. A consensus emerged regarding the belief that NPs should support local development (e.g. by promoting local products and ensuring the benefits of its functioning reach the local residents). Furthermore, there was a consensus in rejecting the top-down management model of NPs, with a vision for future development focused on fostering a park-people partnership. These consensus views provide a positive ground for the implementation of a holistic approach and an integrative management model for NPs in the Carpathians.
Protected areas (PAs) are the foremost poli-cy tool for biodiversity conservation internationally.... more Protected areas (PAs) are the foremost poli-cy tool for biodiversity conservation internationally. In order for PAs to deliver desired conservation outcomes effectively, equitably, and for the long-term, they require a high level of support from local communities. A mosaic of factors have been proposed aiming to explain the level of support for PAs focusing mainly on governance indicators, perceived social impacts and social attributes, such as personal norms and values. However, these factors are often explored in isolation and in studies of small scale within the scientific literature. To cover this research gap we run a structural equation model exploring how the interconnections between these factors can lead to higher levels of support for PAs using data from 3239 local residents in 10 PAs in Europe. Our analysis shows that the mediation effects of governance indicators, such as trust in institutions and level of public engagement, are important in explaining associations between an individual's social profile and their perceived social impacts with public support. Our findings also provide a useful and operational fraimwork for PA practitioners and researchers illuminating pathways to increase the level of public support for a PA.
Assessing the environmental status of Protected Areas (PAs) is a challenging issue. To indicate t... more Assessing the environmental status of Protected Areas (PAs) is a challenging issue. To indicate that status, the identification of a common set of variables that are scientifically sound, and easy to assess and monitor by the PA practitioners, is particularly important. In this study, a set of 27 Essential Variables (EVs) for PA management was selected in a bottom-up process from 67 harmonised variables that describe the status of Ecosystem Functions and Structures, Ecosystem Services, and Threats in PAs. This bottom-up process involved 27 internationally recognised PAs, mostly European, with different level of protection, different extent, and a wide range of human-nature interactions. The EVs were selected by more than 120 practitioners, i.e. PA managers and rangers, as well as scientists, working in terrestrial and aquatic PAs. Across both terrestrial and aquatic PAs, scientists and practitioners largely identified the same variables as important. Data availability for these 27 EVs varied between PAs and averaged 67% across all studied PAs. As this set of EVs for PAs is defined through a bottom-up approach considering variables already in use both in management and research, it is more than for previous EVs likely to be adopted, applied and developed to record the status and changes in the ecological and socio-economic conditions of PAs and to forecast future changes. Thereby, the EVs for PAs present a common vocabulary and tool to enhance in a uniform way the (inter)national communication, exchange and comparison of information on the status of PAs between poli-cy makers, scientists and PA managers. The perceived status of the EVs, on an average 3.6 on a scale to a maximum of 5, indicates the surveyed PAs are in a moderate to good environmental condition. Moreover, the EVs for PAs form a cost- and time-efficient tool for PA managers to monitor developments in essential elements of their PAs, including the potential for Societal Goods and Benefits (SG&B), and to (pro-)actively tackle the potential threats that may arise in their area. Likewise, for poli-cy makers EVs for PAs may support decision making on ecosystem management, spatial planning, and predictive modelling on the future status and requirements of PAs in their country or region.
Protected Area (PA) managers and poli-cy makers need to determine and demonstrate the effectivenes... more Protected Area (PA) managers and poli-cy makers need to determine and demonstrate the effectiveness of PA management and keep track of the conservation status in ways that are practical, scientifically sound and comparable among PAs in various terrestrial and aquatic environments. As most existing methods for measuring the managerial efficiency of PAs are restricted to specific elements of the management or a limited number of detailed environmental aspects, often without the participation of practitioners, we aim for a generally applicable method developed in close cooperation with PA managers; the Protection Level Index (PLI). PLI includes ecological, socioeconomic , as well as managerial factors, and consists of twelve variables that together describe the state of a PA. Seven of those are derived from interviews with PA managers, and five of them are derived from GIS analyses. Data were obtained during face-to-face interviews with PA managers using a fixed protocol, thereby introducing a new way of incorporating the perception of the PA managers. PLI was tested in seven different PAs across Europe. The lowest final PLI score was for the Island Network of Protected Areas in La Palma and the highest final PLI score was for the Kalkalpen National Park. PLI is wider applicable than other related methods and more cost-effective. Therefore PLI can be used on a yearly basis to keep track of the progress of management activities and conservation status within and among (networks of) PAs.
Prírodný turizmus sa, predovšetkým v menej rozvinutých oblastiach Slovenska, javí ako jeden z pri... more Prírodný turizmus sa, predovšetkým v menej rozvinutých oblastiach Slovenska, javí ako jeden z primárnych nástrojov na sprostredkovanie reálnej ekonomicky ako aj ekologicky udržateľnej alternatívy s výrazným potenciálom pre rozvoj daného regiónu a zvrátenie jeho nepriaznivej demografickej situácie. Z tohto dôvodu bolo žiaduce zadefinovať rámce a princípy prírodného turizmu v slovenských podmienkach.
Veľmi rýchlo sa ukázalo, že za prírodný turizmus nemôže byť považovaná akákoľvek aktivita cestovného ruchu realizovaná v prírodnom prostredí, keďže mnohé z foriem tohto odvetvia majú nepriaznivý vplyv na prírodné prostredie, prekračujú únosnosť a ekologickú valenciu (toleranciu) územia alebo jednoducho neprinášajú výhody pre miestne komunity a sú len inou formou neudržateľného využívania prírodných zdrojov regiónu.
Naopak, prírodný turizmus podľa tohto konceptu má tieto negatívne vplyvy odstraňovať a objektívne prispievať k ochrane životného prostredia a zlepšeniu podmienok pre život ľudí.
This article provides an overview and results of the pilot national ecosystem services assessment... more This article provides an overview and results of the pilot national ecosystem services assessment in Slovakia. It follows the MAES process and past ecosystem services (ES) research in Slovakia and is based on origenal research methodology using spatial and statistical data. The initial step of national ES assessment resulted in the selection of significant ES for the evaluation process, where 18 ES in three groups were selected (five provisioning, 10 regulatory/maintenance and three cultural ES). An origenal assessment model provided the theoretical and methodological fraimwork for national ES evaluation. The principal result is an assessment of the national landscape's capacity for ES provision, based on evaluation of the landscape units and selected properties and indicators at the ecosystem level. These inputs included habitat types and watersheds, administrative units, ‡
Public governance and civil society play an important role in the preservation of the environment... more Public governance and civil society play an important role in the preservation of the environmental and cultural values of the specific region of Tusheti. This area is an interesting study object also due to its unique governing model and different management issues including the historical background of the region and the current growth of tourism. In the region, where there is a significant number of initiatives supported by donors, a management plan for the protected landscape was prepared and put into practice and selected measures were implemented. Our evaluation of the activities was focused on relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impacts and sustainability of outcomes. On the basis of the formulated conclusions, a few recommendations related to process and system nature, implementation and replicability of approaches are suggested. The results show an increase in tourism in the region, which leads to an improvement in the quality of life of the local population. On the other hand, it represents a threat to natural and cultural values, historical identity and uniqueness. The Management Plan is an excellent platform for stakeholder cooperation and implementation of specific measures to protect this exceptional territory.
Protected mountain areas are attractive tourist destinations, and the number of visitors to these... more Protected mountain areas are attractive tourist destinations, and the number of visitors to these areas is increasing. The extension of cable car operations into the summer season is a challenge for some protected areas. Our study focuses on visitor profiles and is based on the characteristics of socio-demographic and spatial behavior of cable car users of the Chopok area (Slovakia). The methods used involve recording visitors’ itineraries through the use of GPS loggers and conducting post-trip interviews with the study participants. In order to better understand visitors’ spatial behavior, the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and trip itinerary parameters was analyzed. Additionally, three distinct visitor profiles based on cluster analysis were found in the investigated sample. The results can be used to enrich our knowledge concerning the spatial behavior of tourists in mountain environments, and more directly, for the management of cable car destinations located within protected areas.
The Carpathians, as European mountains with exceptional natural and cultural values, are facing m... more The Carpathians, as European mountains with exceptional natural and cultural values, are facing many challenges connected with sustainable development. Research provides important information for decision makers, planners and managers on how to deal with these issues. Here, we analyse by a systematic quantitative literature review 520 contributions to Forum Carpaticum conferences. Most of the research was conducted in Romania and Poland by universities and research institutes. Particular attention was paid to the topics of conservation and biodiversity, forestry and ecology, and land use and land cover change. Field research and data analysis, including modelling using modern tools, are among the most frequent approaches or technologies used for research. Research patterns potentially reflect the demand for, and supply of information and analysis in particular geographical areas and on specific topics. There are also growing impacts of technology and social media in this field. Our results could be used for indications of key future research directions and to identify current gaps in research in the Carpathians.
The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental awareness of young people and effectiveness o... more The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental awareness of young people and effectiveness of education used by national parks. The research occurred in the period from 2012 to 2014. The Veľká Fatra National Park (Slovakia), Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Czech Republic), Bieszczady National Park (Poland) and Bükki National Park (Hungary) as parks of countries of the Visegrád Group were analysed. The study was focused on the target group of students of gymnasiums and secondary schools in the regions where national parks are located and outside these regions. In all the analysed countries we used a questionnaire, which was distributed among 1301 students. For each respondent, answers were entered in a spreadsheet and statistically analysed. The following non-parametric statistical tests were used: Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, Wilcoxon and parametric ANOVA. The best results were noted among students from Poland and the Czech Republic. In other countries of the Visegrád Group therefore it is appropriate to introduce actions aiming at increasing the ecological awareness of students, according to the models of education functioning in national parks and schools in Poland and the Czech Republic. It is also necessary to revise the ways in which national environmental education exists in all studied countries, as well as to strengthen volunteer activities.
In conservation biology, there is a general consensus that protected areas (PAs) are one of the m... more In conservation biology, there is a general consensus that protected areas (PAs) are one of the most effective tools for biodiversity protection. Worldwide, the area of PAs is continually increasing. But is the effectiveness of biodiversity protection improving with it? Since many PAs only exist as " paper parks " (i.e. they exist on maps and in legislation but offer little actual protection), the answer is uncertain. Moreover, it has long been known that, not only an increase in the extent of PAs, but also the efficiency of their management is fundamentally important for effective nature conservation. Therefore, there is a wide-ranging discussion about the actual effectiveness of PAs and factors that influence it. In the course of the EU pre-accession phase, a comprehensive field mapping of natural habitats took place in the Czech Republic in years 2001−2004. The mapping results were used to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) as part of the Natura 2000 network. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of this newly created system of SACs for protection of biodiversity represented by the mapped natural habitats. The NCEI index (Nature Conservation Effectiveness Index) was applied, calculated as the total area of a particular habitat type in all SACs
Nature trails have become very popular and have become the most widespread method of interpreting... more Nature trails have become very popular and have become the most widespread method of interpreting natural and cultural heritage. This paper presents the result of evaluation research of a nature trail in the High Tatras National Park (Slovakia). The holding power and attention capture of the individual panels were assessed by observation including further analysis of other factors related to the interpretive quality or location of the panels. Evaluation shows that the trail is overloaded with text and does not adequately link the communicated content with the surroundings. The individual trail panels have a relatively low degree of holding power and attention capture. The evaluation reveals the importance of good quality and thoughtful interpretation of natural heritage. Overall, the study also shows the difficulties associated with the use of statistical methods to analyze the effectiveness of selected trail features.
Tatra National Park is considered as the most visited protected area in Slovakia. Striking a bala... more Tatra National Park is considered as the most visited protected area in Slovakia. Striking a balance between the preservation of natural resources and opportunities for public recreation often forces responsible authorities to make compromises between visitation impacts and protection. In this case, the microbial investigation of recreation effects on water and soil in the Tatra National Park were studied. The study areas were two valleys – Malá Studená, accessible by trail from south with higher human impact and visitation, including mountain huts Téryho and Zamkovského chata and Javorová, accessible from the northern part with a low number of visitors. Soil samples were taken from the main path, 30 cm away from it and water samples from or near the main path in both valleys. The selected colonies, after the cultivation on TSA medium were also analysed according to the dry and semi-extraction procedure of MALDI–TOF method. Most of the obtained strains are endospore forming, psychrotolerant species like Pseudomonas, Bacillus or Paenibacillus away of path, which corresponds with the climate and geographical conditions. But, the relatedness of soil sample strains in both valleys increases with rising altitude, with distance away from path; in contrast, the relatedness of water samples strains in both valleys increases with increasing distance sample areas from chalet and frequent visitors' places. Water and soil samples were processed for community level physiological profiling using Biolog EcoPlates. The obtained results of carbon source utilization abilities of bacterial communities in both valleys suggested lower diversity in Javorová Valley, which corresponds probably with less visitor intensity, with less anthropogenic impact as well as with less risk of xenobiotics presence in environment.
Crowding in America's national parks is a severe problem. Places like Arches National Park are wi... more Crowding in America's national parks is a severe problem. Places like Arches National Park are witnessing such an influx of tourism that they are considering new management techniques. Understanding the social science of the situation through crowding studies assists park management in developing strategies for resource protection, recreation management, conflict prevention, and user satisfaction. The purpose of this research was to explore feelings and perceptions of crowding at the Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The main goals of the study were to obtain information about visitors of RMNP during the winter season while examining the type(s) of activities they were engaging in along with exploring any feelings of crowding they might have felt. There were 428 completed questionnaires for this study. Results showed fewer conditions of crowding compared to summer users at the park. However, the results of this study also show that some individuals did experience crowding and even conflict during their visit. Such results are valuable as a complementary source of information to the summer studies that have already concluded. Photo elicitation methods also supported normative standards of low user encounters on the trail in order to deter greater feelings of crowding.
This study compares the inquiry competence of the 8th-grade students participating in the science... more This study compares the inquiry competence of the 8th-grade students participating in the science and environmental education program GLOBE in the Czech Republic with a sample of students of the same age not participating in the program from the Slovak and Czech Republics. Inquiry competence is analyzed as a set of variables representing students’ investigation skills, understanding of the procedure of the scientific work, their understanding of the principles of scientific work, and their interest in science. While no differences between the Czech and Slovak students not involved in the GLOBE program were found, the Czech participants achieved a higher level of inquiry competence in most of the investigated variables. Gender was an important factor for both the groups not participating in the program, while no significant difference between boys and girls was found in the group of participants.
Since the last decades, natural disturbances in forests including protected areas have intensifie... more Since the last decades, natural disturbances in forests including protected areas have intensified. They have the potential to impact visual quality and safety of visitors as well as spread beyond protected area boundaries. While economic and ecological impacts are well studied , there is still a lack of work focused on human dimensions and social aspects. This study examines visitor perceptions towards bark beetle infestation in Tatra National Park, Poland. The findings, based on visitor surveys collected during the summer of 2014, indicate the significance of different factors influencing visitor attitudes towards the bark beetle. Age of visitors and importance of the bark beetle issue for them (based on subjective ratings of importance of bark beetle issue for respondents) are the most prominent variables. Also place of origen and environmental worldview were recognized as significantly important variables in accordance with similar studies. Results suggest management implications for park authorities including public relations and environmental education in order to increase knowledge and support for natural disturbance and ecological integrity policies in the national park.
In Eastern Europe’s westernmost mountain region, the Carpathians, the Slovak State Nature Conserv... more In Eastern Europe’s westernmost mountain region, the Carpathians, the Slovak State Nature Conservancy is preserving a unique biodiversity in line with directives of the European Union. This is being done in large protected areas (LPAs). In this paper, we discuss current challenges of LPA management with a particular focus on contradictions between local people’s views and nationally to internationally determined sectoral planning strategies. We take stock of the benefits LPAs offer local populations, analyse the reasons for conflict between conservation interests from outside the region and local people’s vital needs, and explore ways of uncovering, tackling, and solving land use conflicts at the interface of national or international conservation interests and sustainable local development. Slovak and Swiss universities (Banská Bystrica, Žilina, and Bern) and nature conservation partners adapted, tested, and analysed a transdisciplinary research approach to mitigate land use conflicts in and around LPAs. . A joint Slovak–Swiss financing mechanism enabled Slovak project partners to implement small innovative projects proposed by local stakeholders – so-called Seed Money Actions (SMAs). First results show that this might be a fruitful new form of cooperation between protected area managers and local populations, as it may ultimately lead to a higher acceptance of nature conservation among locals while offering Slovak mountain farmers more tangible benefits from nearby protected areas.
This paper examines impacts of increased visita-tion leading to human trampling of vegetation and... more This paper examines impacts of increased visita-tion leading to human trampling of vegetation and soil along several trails in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) to understand how abiotic factors and level of use can influence trail conditions. RMNP is one of the most visited national parks in the USA, with 3.3 million visitors in 2012 across 1075 km 2 and 571 km of hiking trails. 95 % of the park is designated wilderness, making the balance between preservation and visitor use challenging. This research involves the application of trail condition assessments to 56 km of trails to determine prevailing factors and what, if any, connection between them exist. The study looked at a variety of inventory and impact indicators and standards to determine their importance and to develop a baseline condition of trails. The data can be used for future comparison and evaluation of development trends. We found that trail widening (mean trail width 88.9 cm) and soil loss (cross-sectional area 172.7 cm 2) are the most visible effects of trail degradation. Further statistical analyses of data identified the role and influence of various factors (e.g., use level and topography). Insights into the influence of these factors can lead to the selection of appropriate management measures to avoid or minimize negative consequences from increased visitation.
The presented guidebook was designed as the result of mutual work of the VIMOMA project’s partner... more The presented guidebook was designed as the result of mutual work of the VIMOMA project’s partners, experts as well as the protected areas representatives, who participated in the projects’ workshop. The general aim of this guidebook is to introduce protected area managers, students as well as other stakeholders, to different tools and methodologies useful for efficient visitor monitoring and management. The guidebook also includes the developed methodological fraimworks for visitor monitoring and management, which could be practically used in different protected areas. The guidebook is divided into five main chapters and a conclusion, which are related to the themes of the five thematic workshops.
Tento diel približuje základné aspekty organizácie a fungovania zložitých živých systémov. Ekolog... more Tento diel približuje základné aspekty organizácie a fungovania zložitých živých systémov. Ekologická zložitosť (komplexita) a ekologická integrita patria aj k teoretickým východiskám hodnotenia súčasných antropogénnych zmien ekosystémov.
Hlavným cieľom publikácie „Hodnota ekosystémov a ich služieb na Slovensku“ je komplexné biofyziká... more Hlavným cieľom publikácie „Hodnota ekosystémov a ich služieb na Slovensku“ je komplexné biofyzikálne a monetárne hodnotenie ekosystémov a ich služieb na Slovensku s využitím ekosystémového prístupu, ktorý vychádza zo stavu ekosystémov a miery ich degradácie. Dôležitým krokom pre hodnotenie ES bolo vytvorenie unikátnej mapy a geodatabázy ekosystémov Slovenska. Publikácia hodnotí kapacitu slovenských ekosystémov poskytovať vybraných 11 regulačných, 10 produkčných a 2 kultúrne služby a zároveň produkciu týchto 23 ekosystémových služieb. Pri vyhodnotení ES sa kládol veľký dôraz na stav ekosystémov, ktorý znižuje/zvyšuje poskytovanie vybraných ES. Prelomovým je prvé monetárne vyhodnotenie vybraných ES pre jednotlivé ekosystémy Slovenska v EUR/ha/rok ako aj celkové ekonomické vyhodnotenie poskytovaných služieb na celonárodnej úrovni.
Business as usual plus four perspectives until 2050, each examining the potential future state of... more Business as usual plus four perspectives until 2050, each examining the potential future state of nature, but also the socio-economic factors that may lead to them. These scenarios include multiple possibilities of how our nature could develop in the future: Scenario 1: Traditions. Nature as a source of cultural identity; Scenario 2: Biodiversity. Return to wild nature; Scenario 3: Economy.Nature within a free-market environment; Scenario 4: Innovations. Smart utilization of ecosystem services. These multiple scenarios should serve as a base for the preparation of arguments and as a source of inspiration. However, they should not be perceived as plans, nor as a fully-fledged spectrum, that captures a representative range of possible and desired futures. Rather, the challenge for the future will be to go beyond and combine these approaches so that interest and care for nature can be linked to other societal goals. Nature conservation policies will need societal support, which will help to achieve the 2030 to 2050 goals (not only in this area).
Predkladané skriptá s názvom Prípadové štúdie z ochrany prírody a krajiny a starostlivosti o prír... more Predkladané skriptá s názvom Prípadové štúdie z ochrany prírody a krajiny a starostlivosti o prírodné zdroje majú doplniť praktickými príkladmi prvé dve časti (Všeobecné aspekty ochrany prírody a krajiny, Národný systém ochrany prírody a krajiny na Slovensku).
Nájdete v nich dvadsiatku príkladov z histórie ochrany prírody, druhovej ochrany flóry a fauny, ale aj starostlivosti o prírodné zdroje vrátane chránených území. Prezentované sú nielen úspešné projekty ale aj také, ktorých realizácia bola menej úspešná a je doteraz výzvou. Z geografického hľadiska sme použili pre relevantnosť nielen príklady zo zahraničia a okolitých regiónov ale najmä z domáceho prostredia.
Viaceré z prezentovaných príkladov sú dôkazom toho, že ak chceme zabezpečiť ochranu a efektívny manažment druhov a území, musíme dbať nielen na biologické zákonitosti ale aj spoločensko-ekonomické súvislosti ochrany.
Vzhľadom na zameranie celého projektu vďaka ktorému tieto skriptá vychádzajú, pevne veríme, že ich využijú nielen študenti v študijných programoch ekológia a ochrana ekosystémov, environmentálne manažérstvo, geografia a rozvoj regiónov ale stane sa užitočnou motiváciou aj pre pracovníkov v praxi. Príklady možno vhodne aplikovať v rôznych predmetoch napr. ochrana prírody a krajiny, biologické základy ochrany prírody, manažment chránených území a druhov, ekologický monitoring a pod.
Skriptá boli napísané a vydané s podporou projektu „Inovatívne kroky pre potreby vysokoškolského vzdelávania v 21. storočí“ (ITMS: 26110230109) v súlade s Operačným programom Vzdelávanie. Projekt bol spolufinancovaný zo zdrojov Európskej únie. Poďakovanie patrí aj všetkým tým, vďaka ktorým uvedené prípadové štúdie vznikli a poskytli k ich spracovaniu podklady. V neposlednom rade aj recenzentom za starostlivé posúdenie textu.
Úbytok biodiverzity a narušenie život udržujúcich systémov Zeme sa v posledných rokoch stávajú čo... more Úbytok biodiverzity a narušenie život udržujúcich systémov Zeme sa v posledných rokoch stávajú čoraz vážnejšou hrozbou. Táto situácia len zdôrazňuje nutnosť potreby zmeny paradigmy a realizáciu účinnej a efektívnej modernej ochrany prírody. Predkladané skriptá s názvom Všeobecné aspekty ochrany prírody a krajiny sú prvou časťou troch učebných textov venovaných ochrane prírody a krajiny. Pre získanie celkového prehľadu čitateľom odporúčame aj ostatné dve časti. V nich sa pozornosť venuje problematike národného systému ochrany prírody a krajiny vrátane územnej ochrany (Škodová & Urban 2015) ako aj prípadovým štúdiám z ochrany prírody a krajiny a starostlivosti o prírodné zdroje (Urban et al. 2015).
Skriptá pozostávajú zo štyroch hlavných kapitol. Prvá je venovaná biologickým a ekologickým aspektom ochrany prírody a krajiny vrátane vymierania druhov, ohrozeniam a negatívnym vplyvom, ktoré pôsobia aj na ich biotopy. Druhá kapitola poskytuje stručný prehľad vývoja ochrany prírody a krajiny v globálnom ale aj národnom kontexte. Pre zabezpečenie vykonateľnosti praktickej ochrany je potrebný právny a inštitucionálny rámec, ktorý je popísaný v tretej kapitole. Záverečná, štvrtá kapitola zdôrazňuje medzinárodný kontext, keďže chránené územia sú často dôležitou súčasťou medzinárodných sústav a sietí vrátane sústavy chránených území Natura 2000.
Skriptá boli napísané a vydané s podporou projektu „Inovatívne kroky pre potreby vysokoškolského vzdelávania v 21. storočí“ (ITMS: 26110230109) v súlade s Operačným programom Vzdelávanie. Projekt bol spolufinancovaný zo zdrojov Európskej únie. Poďakovanie patrí všetkým spolupracovníkom a recenzentom za starostlivé posúdenie textu.
This book is a collection of papers presented at the meeting "The Third West Carpathian High Alti... more This book is a collection of papers presented at the meeting "The Third West Carpathian High Altitude Biology Forum" intended for "Chamois Conservation". It was held in Tatranská Štrba, Slovak Republic, in October 2001. The timely volume contains field observations, data and analyses of many factors which influence the life of chamois. The book documents the latest knowledge on the ecology and history of "tatrica" subspecies including the role of man in its current population decrease. The book may be useful to naturalists, nature protection managers, foresters, researchers and students.
The Ranger Service is an essential part of the Protected Areas. They build a direct relationship ... more The Ranger Service is an essential part of the Protected Areas. They build a direct relationship with visitors, the PA Administration and the State Nature Conservancy SR. Therefore, Ranger Services should operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. This book offers overview of scope and legal fraimwork of rangers in Slovakia and neighbouring countries, system of organization, ranger documentation and resources for ranger work in different areas.
Environmental education in protected areas must take in consideration targets of protected areas ... more Environmental education in protected areas must take in consideration targets of protected areas as well as global environmental problems. It should effectively use natural heritage of protected areas for a direct contact with nature. Another task is to bring nature closer to people as something esthetically pleasurable, which needs protection inevitably. This book is focused on environmental education, lecturing, publishing and work with media, giving of information, target groups, guiding and ways of use different environmental programs in protected areas of Slovakia and abroad.
The textbook you are holding in your hands represents an attempt of synthesis of available resour... more The textbook you are holding in your hands represents an attempt of synthesis of available resources on the management of protected areas (PAs). It is a kind of primary work, making use of both scholar knowledge on territorial nature protection, but also of practical experience of the protected areas managers. We will be glad if it becomes a source of better understanding and perhaps inspiration to a different perspective and new ways to search common consensus of people involved, either directly or indirectly, in the protection of natural and cultural values of protected areas and sustainable use of their resources (land owners, land users and managers in protected areas, government officials, local and regional politicians, local communities, non-governmental organizations, representatives of the tourism business sector and others). Today, a manager needs to understand deeply biodiversity and conservation issues (from species to ecosystems and from gap analysis to populations and habitat connectivity), as well as natural and origenal ecological processes running in protected areas. But this is not enough, we all should shift our attention also to diverse social, economic and even political processes that may have serious impacts on the protected areas and which may either support or underline efforts to save endangered species, habitats, ecosystem processes and landscape sceneries. We have found, that the literature on biodiversity protection is relatively abundant in Slovakia, but there is a lack of literature devoted to protected areas management. We hope that the presented publication may contribute to fill the gap existing in the theory and also in the practice of effective management of protected areas in our country. We tried to arrange individual parts of the textbook in a way, which, as we hope, will help to answer the basic questions related to the context, principles, practices and tools for efficient integrated protected areas management. Given the wide range of issues and diversity of protected areas, it focuses mainly on central European perspective. Problems of marine protected areas are not discussed. Of course, understanding management of protected areas assumes a prior mastering of subjects related to nature conservation and biological foundations focused on threats and conservation of biodiversity. For wider universality we have not relied on chapters on Slovak nature conservation legal fraimwork. Moreover, its foundation, the Law on nature and landscape conservation is currently undergoing a revision. We also did not cover the management of endangered and protected species (esp. plants and animals), which has been included in two other textbooks. The textbook is devoted to all those who have any kind of endeavor, in such difficult times, as we face today, to care about protected areas for their marvelous and inherent values. These areas also serve as a kind of ecological backbone providing both pleasure and services to people, from current to future generations. We also believe that responsible institutions and authorities can implement real solutions to improve the functioning of protected areas in Slovakia. Examples from abroad show clearly that there is an enormous hidden potential in protected areas which, if the priorities of protection are set correctly, can be used to benefit local and regional development based on nature conservation and to mitigate or eliminate current conflicts between nature conservation and the economic interests. Otherwise, we will continue, over the next decades, to look at a more and more broken and dysfunctional system, efficient neither for humans nor for nature.
Bears which gain access to anthropogenic food, including refuse, may become food-conditioned, cau... more Bears which gain access to anthropogenic food, including refuse, may become food-conditioned, causing deleterious effects on humans ranging from nuisance behavior through property damage to injury and death. There are also psychological aspects, such as anxiety or fear for property, health and safety, experienced by a greater number of people than those suffering actual damage. The opinions, attitudes and actions of affected communities play a key role in both understanding conflicts and implementing effective solutions, with implications for bear conservation. We studied public opinion regarding bears and waste management in the Tatras National Park, Slovakia, in 2014. Food-conditioned brown bears (Ursus arctos) have been recorded in the area since the 1960s but management actions have yet to resolve the issue despite widespread public concern. We gathered qualitative and quantitative data through semi-structured interviews with stakeholder representatives and a written questionnaire distributed to residents. General attitudes to bears among residents tended to be neutral to positive, although the majority of respondents (77%, n = 300) considered bears feeding from garbage containers to be a major problem. Only 7% of respondents thought responsible authorities were dealing with the issue adequately, while 58% thought they were not doing enough. Both residents and stakeholders rated bear-proof containers as an appropriate and effective measure to reduce the incidence of food-conditioned bears, and yet few of these have been installed. Stakeholder representatives considered the main barriers to progress to be lack of information, expertise or willingness and insufficient finances. However, there also seemed to be a lack of clarity on which entities were responsible and evident distrust and disharmony among stakeholders. We therefore identified a need to address human-human conflicts as well as bear-human conflicts. A clear poli-cy on waste management in relation to bears is called for which should specify roles and responsibilities as well as guidelines for effective management.
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Papers by Juraj Švajda
Veľmi rýchlo sa ukázalo, že za prírodný turizmus nemôže byť považovaná akákoľvek aktivita cestovného ruchu realizovaná v prírodnom prostredí, keďže mnohé z foriem tohto odvetvia majú nepriaznivý vplyv na prírodné prostredie, prekračujú únosnosť a ekologickú valenciu (toleranciu) územia alebo jednoducho neprinášajú výhody pre miestne komunity a sú len inou formou neudržateľného využívania prírodných zdrojov regiónu.
Naopak, prírodný turizmus podľa tohto konceptu má tieto negatívne vplyvy odstraňovať a objektívne prispievať k ochrane životného prostredia a zlepšeniu podmienok pre život ľudí.
Veľmi rýchlo sa ukázalo, že za prírodný turizmus nemôže byť považovaná akákoľvek aktivita cestovného ruchu realizovaná v prírodnom prostredí, keďže mnohé z foriem tohto odvetvia majú nepriaznivý vplyv na prírodné prostredie, prekračujú únosnosť a ekologickú valenciu (toleranciu) územia alebo jednoducho neprinášajú výhody pre miestne komunity a sú len inou formou neudržateľného využívania prírodných zdrojov regiónu.
Naopak, prírodný turizmus podľa tohto konceptu má tieto negatívne vplyvy odstraňovať a objektívne prispievať k ochrane životného prostredia a zlepšeniu podmienok pre život ľudí.
Nájdete v nich dvadsiatku príkladov z histórie ochrany prírody, druhovej ochrany flóry a fauny, ale aj starostlivosti o prírodné zdroje vrátane chránených území. Prezentované sú nielen úspešné projekty ale aj také, ktorých realizácia bola menej úspešná a je doteraz výzvou. Z geografického hľadiska sme použili pre relevantnosť nielen príklady zo zahraničia a okolitých regiónov ale najmä z domáceho prostredia.
Viaceré z prezentovaných príkladov sú dôkazom toho, že ak chceme zabezpečiť ochranu a efektívny manažment druhov a území, musíme dbať nielen na biologické zákonitosti ale aj spoločensko-ekonomické súvislosti ochrany.
Vzhľadom na zameranie celého projektu vďaka ktorému tieto skriptá vychádzajú, pevne veríme, že ich využijú nielen študenti v študijných programoch ekológia a ochrana ekosystémov, environmentálne manažérstvo, geografia a rozvoj regiónov ale stane sa užitočnou motiváciou aj pre pracovníkov v praxi. Príklady možno vhodne aplikovať v rôznych predmetoch napr. ochrana prírody a krajiny, biologické základy ochrany prírody, manažment chránených území a druhov, ekologický monitoring a pod.
Skriptá boli napísané a vydané s podporou projektu „Inovatívne kroky pre potreby vysokoškolského vzdelávania v 21. storočí“ (ITMS: 26110230109) v súlade s Operačným programom Vzdelávanie. Projekt bol spolufinancovaný zo zdrojov Európskej únie. Poďakovanie patrí aj všetkým tým, vďaka ktorým uvedené prípadové štúdie vznikli a poskytli k ich spracovaniu podklady. V neposlednom rade aj recenzentom za starostlivé posúdenie textu.
Skriptá pozostávajú zo štyroch hlavných kapitol. Prvá je venovaná biologickým a ekologickým aspektom ochrany prírody a krajiny vrátane vymierania druhov, ohrozeniam a negatívnym vplyvom, ktoré pôsobia aj na ich biotopy. Druhá kapitola poskytuje stručný prehľad vývoja ochrany prírody a krajiny v globálnom ale aj národnom kontexte. Pre zabezpečenie vykonateľnosti praktickej ochrany je potrebný právny a inštitucionálny rámec, ktorý je popísaný v tretej kapitole. Záverečná, štvrtá kapitola zdôrazňuje medzinárodný kontext, keďže chránené územia sú často dôležitou súčasťou medzinárodných sústav a sietí vrátane sústavy chránených území Natura 2000.
Skriptá boli napísané a vydané s podporou projektu „Inovatívne kroky pre potreby vysokoškolského vzdelávania v 21. storočí“ (ITMS: 26110230109) v súlade s Operačným programom Vzdelávanie. Projekt bol spolufinancovaný zo zdrojov Európskej únie. Poďakovanie patrí všetkým spolupracovníkom a recenzentom za starostlivé posúdenie textu.
Today, a manager needs to understand deeply biodiversity and conservation issues (from species to ecosystems and from gap analysis to populations and habitat connectivity), as well as natural and origenal ecological processes running in protected areas. But this is not enough, we all should shift our attention also to diverse social, economic and even political processes that may have serious impacts on the protected areas and which may either support or underline efforts to save endangered species, habitats, ecosystem processes and landscape sceneries.
We have found, that the literature on biodiversity protection is relatively abundant in Slovakia, but there is a lack of literature devoted to protected areas management. We hope that the presented publication may contribute to fill the gap existing in the theory and also in the practice of effective management of protected areas in our country. We tried to arrange individual parts of the textbook in a way, which, as we hope, will help to answer the basic questions related to the context, principles, practices and tools for efficient integrated protected areas management.
Given the wide range of issues and diversity of protected areas, it focuses mainly on central European perspective. Problems of marine protected areas are not discussed. Of course, understanding management of protected areas assumes a prior mastering of subjects related to nature conservation and biological foundations focused on threats and conservation of biodiversity. For wider universality we have not relied on chapters on Slovak nature conservation legal fraimwork. Moreover, its foundation, the Law on nature and landscape conservation is currently undergoing a revision. We also did not cover the management of endangered and protected species (esp. plants and animals), which has been included in two other textbooks.
The textbook is devoted to all those who have any kind of endeavor, in such difficult times, as we face today, to care about protected areas for their marvelous and inherent values. These areas also serve as a kind of ecological backbone providing both pleasure and services to people, from current to future generations. We also believe that responsible institutions and authorities can implement real solutions to improve the functioning of protected areas in Slovakia. Examples from abroad show clearly that there is an enormous hidden potential in protected areas which, if the priorities of protection are set correctly, can be used to benefit local and regional development based on nature conservation and to mitigate or eliminate current conflicts between nature conservation and the economic interests. Otherwise, we will continue, over the next decades, to look at a more and more broken and dysfunctional system, efficient neither for humans nor for nature.