Conservation conflicts in Natura 2000 protected areas

Multidisciplinary independent research funded by the UK Natural Research Environment Council involving sociologists, political scientists and modelers from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the University of East Anglia analysed stakeholder perceptions of conflict and its management in three case studies in Scotland where conflicts were present and where management plans had been developed to ensure protection of species. Using quantitative and qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews, many conditions were identified as necessary to enable Natura 2000 management plans to act as tools for conflict management and to assist achieving a socially acceptable network of protected areas. Researchers found that management plans could help management of biodiversity conflicts in Natura 2000 protected areas, but considerations included i) determining if management plans were the best option, ii) understanding, acknowledging and addressing conflicts present, iii) acknowledging the importance of leadership, iv) integrating scientists, decision-makers and local knowledge into management plans, and v) taking long-term action based on the management plan.