eco.mont – Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management, Vol. 12 / No. 1

Mountaineers are motivated to climb for myriad reasons, both intrinsic and extrinsic. This study examined the motivations of recreationists to climb on Mt. Hood, Oregon, and Mt. Baker, Washington, and how these motivations varied between mountain wilderness locations. Data were collected through onsite, mail and online surveys at two separate mountain settings (N = 865). The survey instrument included 22 motivation items designed to measure seven motivational domains. The results found that the primary motivations of all climbers focused on the aesthetic quality of mountain locations, physical fitness, escaping normal routines, and gaining a sense of accomplishment. An independent samples t-test revealed differences in the motivations of climbers at Mt. Hood versus Mt. Baker, while a Linear regression tested the role of motivation on participation. Most notably, climbers at Mt. Baker gave greater importance to recognition and catharsis as motivations. These findings showed that while recreationists climb for many of the same reasons, they are motivated to climb for different experiences offered by different alpine settings. The motivation regression model was a weak predictor of participation. This information on motivations could assist federal land management agencies in gaining a better understanding of how to balance climbers’ needs with preserving high-altitude environments.

Keywords: outdoor recreation, motivations, mountaineering, wilderness areas

This paper evaluates land-cover change in the high mountain landscapes of parts of the Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians, Europe). As well as carrying out a basic analysis of land-cover changes, we compared how these changes related to several abiotic variables and socio-economic influences. We used a geographic information system to analyse aerial images from surveys made in 1955, 1986 and 2010. The areas studied have undergone a number of changes, due most importantly to the establishment of a national park, long-term forestry management, natural disturbances, land abandonment, and the development of tourism. With regard to changes in vegetation cover, it is debatable whether these are related to climate change or to land-use change. Our study revealed two main changes: coniferous forest disturbance, and the expansion of shrubs (Pinus mugo) into the alpine zone. We also observed a slight upward shift of vegetation boundaries for coniferous forest, shrubs and alpine meadows over a period of more than 50 years (1956 to 2010). If we take into consideration (1) that forest ecosystems (and the tree line) have been changed significantly by human influence, and (2) that windstorms provoking outbreaks of spruce bark beetle are not a new phenomenon but more or less periodical in the Tatra Mountains, our results cannot provide clear evidence that climate change is partly responsible for the shift to higher elevations of the boundaries of mountain vegetation.

Keywords: land-use change, Climate change, coniferous forest, Pinus mugo, Carpathians, Slovakia

The increasing numbers of tourists visiting national parks contribute to new opportunities as well as challenges. Alpine and Arctic national parks in Northern Europe are key habitats for vulnerable species such as wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), and there is a significant need for management tools that can reduce the negative impacts of tourism. To gain knowledge about visitors’ motivations and spatial preferences, we carried out a survey of people (n = 498) on paths in part of Rondane National Park, Norway. The results indicate that a large share of the visitors in the central, vulnerable part of the National Park may find their desired recreational benefits in the less vulnerable fringe entrance areas. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the results and how to increase knowledge about visitors’ spatial preferences in order better to regulate their behaviour with the aim of reducing impacts on vulnerable fauna.

Keywords: adaptive management, human disturbance, nature-based tourism, outdoor recreation, wildlife

Litter left behind on tourist trails is a persistent problem in national parks, regardless of the country in which the park is situated. The present article analyses the amount of waste on tourist trails in the most popular natural park in Poland, Tatra National Park (TNP), a small area of a mountainous character which is heavily used by tourists. Tourists who use the Tatra trails leave from 140 to 180 m3 solid waste there per year. Its presence in parks, as well as being unsightly, is a potential risk for fauna and flora. 90% of the waste collected from the trails in TNP is hard or non-biodegradable waste. The waste from TNP’s tourists trails needs to be considered in its totality, as recyclable fractions make up about 70% of all rubbish disposed of, and so areas such as TNP should be subject to organized waste management. It was found that the particular strategy implemented significantly affects the amount of waste from the tourist trails that is actually collected and disposed of. The key element for the efficient functioning of the waste-management strategy is the consistent implementation of an action plan that takes into account the specific nature of the area and the principles under which it is made available to tourists. Particularly significant are the frequency and regularity with which rubbish is removed. Moreover, there is a need to raise public awareness regarding waste left on tourists trails in TNP.

Keywords: Biodiversity, naturalness, protected area, restorativeness, scenic beauty, waste management

This study positions itself in the current sociopolitical landscape of the Quichuaspeaking communities in Chimborazo Province, in the central highlands of Ecuador. These communities are striving to revitalize their local identities as peasant communities living near Chimborazo volcano. The article presents a proposal for assessing the heritage value of at least three archaeological sites identified by the author using prospection and excavation techniques between 2012 and 2016. It also seeks to further the dissemination of the results of archaeological work at the sites, both among the indigenous people living nearby and among local government entities, the Catholic church and tourism operators (from now on referred to as stakeholders). The study aims to identify the most efficient, socially inclusive, long-term sustainable mechanisms to guarantee the protection, care and management of the cultural heritage of the archaeological sites discovered near Chimborazo volcano. It also proposes that the category cultural landscape should be applied to Chimborazo volcano in order to create a new framework for natural and cultural resources administration.

Keywords: Chimborazo volcano, archaeological sites, cultural landscape

Within the framework of the LIFE project Green List for Natura 2000, the Lendspitz- Maiernigg site (AT2130000, Klagenfurt, Austria) was assessed against the indicators reflecting the four criteria Equitable and Effective Governance, Design and Planning, Effective Management and Conservation Outcomes. Since 2012, graduates of the Management of Protected Areas Master’s programme at Alpe Adria University have been responsible for the site’s management in a pilot governance structure called City meets Nature. During the reflection process, it emerged that the unusual management setup met the Green List criteria very well; 89 % of the indicators were fulfilled completely or partially. However, opportunities to further improve the conservation status of species at the site are limited due to the urban surroundings. The IUCN Green List’s feedback complimented those involved for active management. Self-assessment provided a helpful overview of successes and areas where there is room for improvement. The feedback of the Green List mentor on the project results was particularly encouraging. The example of Lendspitz-Maiernigg shows that the comprehensive governance and management approach presented here is feasible for Natura 2000 sites as well, especially in an urban setting.

Keywords: City meets Nature, urban conservation area, IUCN LIFE Green List Project, Natura 2000, evaluation

The Alpine Space project AlpES used a web-based Geographic Information System (WebGIS) to communicate knowledge on Alpine ecosystem services to stakeholders from three protected areas in Slovenia to support more sustainable decision-making. This has been a positive experience, yet some shortcomings became evident. In this report we focus on using stakeholders’ technical experiences, needs and knowledge to develop a WebGIS, and on communicating project results to stakeholders. We address some critical issues related to co-designing a WebGIS. We provide recommendations to more fully achieve the potential of a WebGIS as a tool for knowledge transfer.

Keywords: information and communication technologies, public participation, resource use, Alpine Space programme

Lushan National Nature Reserve, one of the hotspots of montane plant diversity, is undergoing disturbance from human activities, especially plant introduction, road construction and tourism. Our survey carried out in 2015 and 2016 identified 563 vascular plant species, belonging to 337 genera and 114 families, distributed along the main tourism routes. 157 of the species are endemic to China and 3 to Lushan. 26 species are threatened with extinction and 15 are ancient relic species. 131 are introduced species which have become established in the survey area, and 17 of these are invasive species. Current knowledge indicates that the native plant fauna has been modified. The shrub and herb layers include a large number of introduced and domesticated plants. Conservation suggestions for local biodiversity are emphasized in this study.

Keywords: forest community, habitat fragmentation, Lushan Mountain, non-native species, vascular plants

In Austria, Nature Parks (NaP) are the oldest large protected areas. The first NaPs were created both as recreational areas for the urban population of Vienna, and to encourage economic growth in rural cultural landscapes. Twenty years after the first characteristic landscapes were designated to protect their uniqueness without preventing their economic development, working groups were established to concentrate on the further development and establishment of NaPs. With the foundation of the Association of Austrian NaPs, an umbrella organization, a common strategy for all Austrian NaPs was developed and implemented. Today, the strategy of NaPs is to simultaneously protect natural and cultural landscapes and to become model regions for sustainable development. This article highlights the development of NaPs in Austria from recreational parks for the urban population to model regions for sustainable development.

Keywords: Nature Parks, Austria, development of objetives