A participatory integrated assessment approach for Natura 2000 network sites

Abstract

Managing protected areas (PAs) requires dealing with complex social-ecological systems where multiple dimensions (i.e. social, institutional, economic and ecological) interact over time. Uni-dimensional and top-down approaches have been unable to capture this complexity. Instead, new integrated approaches that acknowledge the multidimensional nature of PAs and the diversity of social actors in the decision making process are required. In this paper we put forward a novel participatory assessment approach which integrates multiple methodologies to reflect value articulating institutions in the case of a Natura 2000 (N2000) network site in the Basque Country (Southern Europe). This novel approach is based on a social multi-criteria evaluation framework, that integrates (i) economic values derived from a choice experiment, (ii) ecological values by means of a spatial biogeographic assessment, and (iii) a participatory process among diverse social actors. The case study shows that through the integration of diverse perspectives it is possible to achieve compromise solutions that foster the ecological values of PAs while enhancing other socioeconomic benefits. Such co-benefits are important to enhance the acceptance and scope of N2000 and overcome undesirable social-ecological conflicts. We also show that the inclusion of all affected parties in a deliberative process is a key prerequisite to ensure ecologically effective and socially acceptable decisions that will lead to sustainable conservation policies.

Conflicting Values in Rural Planning: A Multifunctionality Approach through Social Multi-criteria Evaluation

“…In our case, the coalition dendrogram has been calculated for a degree of similarity of 0.68, in line with other investigations in this field [44,48,49,67,85].…”

“…It should be noted that the SMCE is a robust and contrasted method, whose usefulness and applicability has been demonstrated in the many real cases in which it has been applied. Among these cases, there are works carried out both in the field of territorial planning [42][43][44][45] as well as in the agrarian and forestry sector [46][47][48][49], the two areas to which our case study is focused on.…”

“…Thus, qualitative participatory methods are appropriate because they permit in-depth knowledge of both the problems and the positions of the stakeholders, and offer sufficient time for both stakeholders and analysts to deliberate and participate in the social learning process [50,64,65] as well as to reach consensus [26,53]. The participatory techniques used in this evaluation process have basically been in-depth interviews and group dynamics or focus groups, in accordance with the objectives sought and in line with the experiences of other works [44].…”

Evaluating Participatory Processes in Conservation Policy and Governance: Lessons from a Natura 2000 pilot case study

“…This alternative included compensation to those landowners to facilitate sustainable conservation outcomes (see Etxano et al, 2015). This alternative included compensation to those landowners to facilitate sustainable conservation outcomes (see Etxano et al, 2015).…”

Multi‐criteria decision analysis for nature conservation: A review of 20 years of applications

“…Conservation goals involve complex and spatially explicit biophysical, socio-cultural and economic issues, whose understanding necessitates appropriate methods of knowledge synthesis (Pullin et al, 2016) and stakeholder engagement (e.g. Etxano et al, 2015;Ianni & Geneletti, 2010). Alternatives include all types of options or courses of action to achieve a specific goal (Steinemann, 2001).…”