Scholarlink

<p>Protected areas are increasingly recognized not only as biodiversity reserves but also dynamic social–ecological systems. This paper explores how participatory and adaptive co-management can be implemented in Lovćen National Park (LNP), Montenegro—an area where nearly two-thirds of the land is privately owned. The study responds to the global shift from centralized “fortress conservation” to inclusive models of governance. Using a mixed-methods approach conducted between 2018 and 2022 (surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and field observation) and involving a total of 100 participants, we identify barriers to participatory management, such as low institutional trust, weak communication, and the marginalization of traditional land users. We propose a localized, context-sensitive model of community engagement tailored to the heterogeneity of rural settlements in LNP. Drawing on theories of adaptive co-management and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge, as well as lessons from other governance systems, the findings demonstrate that participatory conservation in complex ownership contexts is not only possible but also necessary. The paper concludes with implications for conservation policy and practice in Southeastern Europe and beyond.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Park-community Relationships in Lovćen National Park, Montenegro

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月11日

查看全文
  • Bozidar Prorocic,
  • Snezana Didanovic

摘要

Protected areas are increasingly recognized not only as biodiversity reserves but also dynamic social–ecological systems. This paper explores how participatory and adaptive co-management can be implemented in Lovćen National Park (LNP), Montenegro—an area where nearly two-thirds of the land is privately owned. The study responds to the global shift from centralized “fortress conservation” to inclusive models of governance. Using a mixed-methods approach conducted between 2018 and 2022 (surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and field observation) and involving a total of 100 participants, we identify barriers to participatory management, such as low institutional trust, weak communication, and the marginalization of traditional land users. We propose a localized, context-sensitive model of community engagement tailored to the heterogeneity of rural settlements in LNP. Drawing on theories of adaptive co-management and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge, as well as lessons from other governance systems, the findings demonstrate that participatory conservation in complex ownership contexts is not only possible but also necessary. The paper concludes with implications for conservation policy and practice in Southeastern Europe and beyond.