How local communities perceive Carpathian River Valleys protected by Natura 2000? – ecosystem services and “home advisors” approach
How local communities perceive Carpathian River Valleys protected by Natura 2000? – ecosystem services and “home advisors” approach

Summary/Abstract: The introduction of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 has been conflicting from the very beginning, leading often, both at the stage of the protected areas determining and plan of protective tasks developing, the opposition of local communities. The reasons for the conflicts are complex, both related to private ownership of land, misinformation about Natura 2000, lack of trust in nature management institutions as well as lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the advisability of introducing a new form of protection -Natura 2000. The aim of this study was to analyse the perception of river valleys and the need to protect them by Natura 2000 Network (in the light of the ecosystem services concept) among local communities on the example of Carpathian rivers. The survey was conducted at the end of 2017 among 2221 residents from seven Natura 2000 sites covering river valleys in southern Poland using the “home advisor” method. The results show that the perception of protected Carpathian river valleys, as well as the perception of the ecosystem services performed by the river among local communities, are close to neutral. The function of the river as a fish source and recreational function are most perceived (by about 65% of respondents). The respondents' attitude towards the river is largely influenced by the flood problem. Half of the respondents heard about Natura 2000 Network and the vast majority of them (84%) consider the program necessary. The research results can serve as a good practice for institutions dealing with nature management both in the studied areas and other Natura 2000 areas in Poland and in Europe.

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