Stakeholder analysis in a protected natural park: case study from Slovenia

Abstract

Stakeholder analysis is the key step towards a successful participatory spatial planning. The case study of the protected area in designation features stakeholder analysis as a tool in defining the salience of the stakeholders' involvement in the designation and the operations of the Kamni sko-Savinjske Alps Regional Park in Slovenia. The salience of a stakeholder was determined using a flexible method using numerical evaluations of three stakeholder attributes: power, legitimacy and interest. Local farmers and residents are the key stakeholders in the research area. The survey explored which stakeholders they believe are necessary in individual phases of the protected area and how they would participate. The salience of different stakeholder groups varies during various project stages. Consequently, the perception of how and to what extent those stakeholders should participate also varies.

Who Is For or Against the Park? Factors Influencing the Public’s Perception of a Regional Park: A Slovenian Case Study

“…Our results show that the population's perception is much more influenced by the way they were informed about the park being founded than their active participation in the founding of the park or their wish to participate in the founding. The results of research among the local stakeholders in Slovenia (Nastran, 2013(Nastran, , 2015 also confirm that the local population wish to participate in the park activities but in a passive rather than an active way. One possible explanation could be the request of the local population for procedural justice (Gross, 2008;Kerselaers et al, 2013;Niedziałkowski et al, 2014), which is not so much about opposing the park as it is about their wish to be heard, informed, and respected as a stakeholder, and to have an opportunity to contribute to the results.…”

“…Through its opinion and perception of a park in designation, the local population contributes greatly to a park's founding and its later operation, which is why local inhabitants are recognized as key stakeholders (Nastran, 2013). Therefore, the total sample (n = 128 households) includes inhabitants with permanent residence in the planned KSARP (N = 67) and people living just outside the park boundary but in the founding municipalities (N = 47).…”

“…Smaller individual parts of the area have already been proclaimed as extensive PAs (Logarska Valley Nature Park, 24 km 2 , and Robanov kot, 14 km 2 ). Approximately 650 people live in this area which includes 30 farms (Nastran, 2013). The park's objectives, as cited in the draft regulation, are conservation (the preservation of unspoiled nature, natural heritage, Natura 2000 sites, biodiversity, a favorable status of protected flora and fauna, landscape diversity, and sustainable use of natural resources) and development (the residents' quality of life and preserving population numbers by encouraging sustainable development consistent with local tradition).…”

“…Among the most important stakeholders are the local populations (Nastran, 2013). The outcome of PA founding and operating depends significantly on these stakeholders' perceptions and involvement.…”

Balancing Conservation and Development in Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India

“…These stakeholders were then assessed for their knowledge, position, power, interests and relationship with the forest resources 18,19 . For our study, the following stakeholder characteristics were used, as outlined by Schmeer 20 .…”