Nikoleta Jones, Mariagrazia Graziano, Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos

Language: English

Abstract

Effective designation of Protected Areas (PAs) requires the careful consideration of their social impacts as these are perceived by people. These refer to a variety of issues such as the distribution of power, social equity, social relations and more importantly the impact of PAs on human wellbeing. A number of studies have emerged in the past decade aiming to capture social impacts of PAs across the world through non-monetary assessments taking into consideration people’s perceptions. Although Europe is the region with the largest in proportion number of Protected Areas across the world it is also a region with very limited scientific evidence on this topic. As the European Union is preparing to implement its new Biodiversity Strategyto ipkmplement this paper aims to provide the first comprehensive review of the literature regarding social impacts of European PAs and highlight new directions for current policy frameworks in the region. The paper focuses on the perceived non-economic social costs and benefits of PAs and identifies 7 key categories of social impacts. We propose that policy planning for biodiversity conservation in Europe should incorporate subjective assessments of social costs and benefits with the aim to achieve an increase of benefits for people and their equal distribution across social groups.

Nikoleta Jones, James McGinlay, Jens Holtvoeth, Vassilis Gkoumas, Chrisovaladis Malesios, Andreas Kontoleon

740 respondents living inside or near Snowdonia National Park expressed their views on the social impacts of the National Park, the impact of COVID-19 on everyday life and potential options for managing the National Park during the pandemic.

Report available in Welsh: Snowdonia_final_report-welsh-29th_june_2020.pdf

Report available in English: Snowdonia_final_report-29th_june_2020.pdf

Nikoleta Jones, Chrisovaladis Malesios, Apostolos Kantargis, Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos

Language: English

Abstract

Beneficial impacts on wellbeing levels of communities living near Protected Areas (PAs) is a key factor for meeting biodiversity conservation targets. Recent studies suggest that the proximity of communities to a PA influence to a significant extent their wellbeing levels. This paper explores further this argument by analysing data from approximately 800 respondents living inside or near four PAs of international importance in Greece. A Bayesian regression modelling approach testing which factors influence subjective wellbeing was applied. While wellbeing is explained by a combination of factors, the results of the study reveal that it is mainly PAs' social impacts that have an effect on subjective wellbeing levels followed by the geographical location. This finding suggests that more effort needs to be invested in the equal distribution of PAs benefits in order to increase wellbeing and public support for these areas.