A new ecosystem services approach to enable identification of pro-biodiversity businesses of protected karst areas in Central and South-Eastern Europe

Protected areas are a leading conservation tool for preserving biodiversity. However, the restrictions on human uses often engender resistance of local communities to the idea of living in protected environment. This paper describes the preparation of Biodiversity Investment Opportunities (BIO) maps...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Hungarian geographical bulletin Vol. 71; no. 2; pp. 181 - 195
Main Authors:	Gorjanc, Sašo, Simončič, Tina, Poljanec, Aleš, Kuslits, Béla, Arany, Ildikó, Tanács, Eszter, Vári, Ágnes, Aszalós, Réka, Drasovean, Anghel, Mos, Alin, Maeso Velasco, Laura, Reuter, Andrea, Gattenlohner, Udo
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Budapest Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute 30-06-2022 Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Subjects:	Biodiversity conservation cultural landscapes Ecosystem services Karst Landscape preservation Local communities local populations pro-biodiversity business Protected areas Wildlife conservation Eastern Europe
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Summary:	Protected areas are a leading conservation tool for preserving biodiversity. However, the restrictions on human uses often engender resistance of local communities to the idea of living in protected environment. This paper describes the preparation of Biodiversity Investment Opportunities (BIO) maps for seven case areas in Central and South-Eastern Europe, using participatory methods. BIO maps have been further developed with the involvement of local stakeholders to define areas that can support economic activities while achieving a no net loss or even benefits for nature. The BIO maps can then be used to foster the development of Pro-Biodiversity Businesses (PBBs). PBBs are enterprises that generate financial returns without compromising the natural environments they depend on. PBBs were found to be a viable solution, effective in changing the perceptions of both the park managers and the local people towards the protected areas. Moreover, these enterprises can improve the local livelihoods, as well as actively protect nature and biodiversity. Therefore, the approach presented in this paper can be adopted as a model for managing any protected area and conserving cultural landscapes.
ISSN:	2064-5031 2064-5147
DOI:	10.15201/hungeobull.71.2.6