eco.mont – Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management, Vol. 12 / No. 2

This study examines the role of socio-spatial structures and their perception in negotiations concerning Protected Areas (PAs). It focuses on tensions among institutions and various groups of local people with regards to the creation of one particular PA. By bridging the gap between studies on PAs and others on critical urban issues, this paper offers a new perspective for the constitution of PAs. A critical analysis of the content of newspaper articles, editorials and readers’ letters regarding Adula Park (Switzerland) was conducted. A radical discursive difference between supporters and detractors of the Park emerged. As predicted, the findings show the importance of including broader socio-spatial elements in PA negotiations. Future research should further enhance the analysis of PAs in terms of urban territorial policies.

Keywords: protected areas, cultural hegemony, Consensus, Adula Park, Switzerland

Herpetofauna is of interest in protected areas because of the large number of protected species. We studied the herpetofauna of Cozia National Park (CNP) between 2016 and 2018. CNP is situated in the central part of the Southern Romanian Carpathians. We recorded 10 species of amphibian (Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Lissotriton vulgaris, Bombina variegata, Hyla arborea, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Rana dalmatina and R. temporaria), and 11 reptile species (Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis muralis, Darevskia praticola, Zootoca vivipara, Anguis colchica, Natrix natrix, N. tessellata, Coronella austriaca, Zamenis longissimus and Vipera ammodytes). Reptiles dominate in number of species, number of individuals and distribution records. CNP is situated at the northern limit of the distribution range of some of these reptiles, notably D. praticola and V. ammodytes. Mountain species associated with a colder, moist climate are very rare or even absent. Zootoca vivipara is restricted to the highest areas of Mount Cozia, above 1 350 m. Although mountain species are well represented in other Carpathian regions, the warmer, drier climate of CNP and its surroundings has limited their distribution in the area, pushing Z. vivipara to higher and higher altitudes. Lacerta agilis is syntopic with all the other lizard species. In some areas, as many as four lizard species cohabitate. The distribution of the herpetofauna in CNP has been negatively influenced by past human activity. The dams on the River Olt have favoured species related to large, stagnant bodies of water, in a region where such habitats were naturally missing. In addition, massive deforestation has decreased the abundance of herpetofauna in many areas of CNP.

Keywords: amphibians, reptiles, habitats, altitude, forest type, Mountains, differences, past

In addition to being important tourism attractions that boost local economic development, protected areas also promote healthy habits through engagement in a variety of physical activities (PA). However, little is known about the extent to which PA intensity influences visitors’ spending. Drawing on results from 500 questionnaires collected from visitors in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, Spain, this study assesses the influence of PA intensity on spending after controlling for sociodemographic, visit, motivational and opinion descriptors to assess the connection between these two factors. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that PA intensity had a marginal but potentially significant effect on respondents’ expenditure during their visits. When looked at separately, the results indicated that trip and motivational descriptors explained the highest degree of variation in visitor spending. More research is necessary to confirm whether these findings are applicable broadly.

Keywords: economic impact, physical activity intensity, MET, visitors’ profile, hierarchical multiple regression

Outdoor winter sports activities are growing in popularity, causing conflicts with sensitive wildlife species. Many studies have shown negative effects of recreational activities on wildlife, with off-trail activities considered to be more detrimental compared to activities performed on marked trails. Small hand-held global positioning devices are readily available, facilitating navigation off marked trails. For adequate visitor management, it is essential to know the motives of visitors to nature areas. The motives of recreationists to leave marked trails are, however, rarely known. Using questionnaires, we studied why people leave trails and analysed the predictors according to the Fietkau-Kessel grid model of environmental behaviour. The main motives for leaving a marked trail were more fun compared to staying on marked trails, previous experience of guided tours which left marked trails, and the signs being unclear. High-quality recreation infrastructure significantly reduces the chances of leaving marked trails, and a person with a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation is more likely to stay on the trails. We recommend visitor-steering management that combines attractive recreation infrastructure and clear signposts with methods influencing people’s attitudes towards nature conservation and education to foster on-trail activities.

Keywords: outdoor recreation, wildlife, visitor behaviour, off-trail, visitor management

Two at one stroke – the LIFE Lech project combines species and flood protection. The project, which will run for 5 years and is financed with EU subsidies, focuses on large gravel banks and wild river habitats. River engineering measures are being implemented to promote these habitats. Rare and endangered plant and animal species are also being helped with targeted species protection measures. This work is accompanied by an extensive monitoring programme and a wide range of public relations projects.

Keywords: LIFE Project, Natura 2000 area, Tiroler Lech Nature Park, wild river, natural dynamic of the river

In June 2019 UNESCO established the new Italian Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve (BR) in the frame of the MAB programme. It includes the entire territory of 11 mountain municipalities in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The recognition is based on the special biodiversity of the area, its original historical and cultural characteristics, and the possibility of creating a new transboundary BR with the Slovenian Julian Alps. Ongoing projects dedicated to nature preservation, awareness raising on environmental topics, the promotion of typical local products and the involvement of the local community were also judged positively. The BR is seen by local administrators and stakeholders as an opportunity to develop actions for sustainability with regard to the protection and enhancement of the extraordinary environmental richness, and to give young people the opportunity to live in the area. For this reason, the Management Committee will be supported in its activity by a Youth Advisory Board.

Keywords: Biosphere Reserve, cultural heritage, protected area, transboundary

There are four UNESCO biosphere reserves (BRs) in Austria representing different bio-geographical regions. As members of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), they function according to the Seville Strategy of 1996 and are intended to fulfil three complementary functions: conservation, sustainable development and logistical support. This article aims to give an overview of the manifold initiatives taking place in Austrian BRs which reflect the complexity of the landscapes and the people living there.

Keywords: Seville Strategy, conservation, sustainable develoment, logistical support

UNESCO´s Lima Action Plan (LAP) explicitly calls on biosphere reserves (BRs) to build partnerships with universities and other research institutions to establish research, training and practical learning opportunities. For a BR, a research strategy is an essential framework that provides insights into the work carried out in the area, available data and needs for future research studies. It is the roadmap for adaptive management in a BR. It was therefore a major concern of the Karst and River Reka Basin BR (Škocjan, Slovenia) to develop a research strategy for the greater integration of science and research in the BR in a highly participatory process and with the support of international experts. Scientists, researchers and BR managers from eight countries shared their knowledge and experiences during a 3-day meeting in Škocjan (Slovenia), 23 to 25 October 2019. The importance of research in BRs, proper data management, involvement of local communities for monitoring and research, partnership and education were presented in case studies.

Keywords: UNESCO, MAB Programme, Lima Action Plan, biosphere reserves,, research strategy, participatory process