Contribution of social science to large scale biodiversity conservation: A review of research about the Natura 2000 network

Malgorzata Blicharska,Ewa H. Orlikowska,Malgorzata Grodzinska-Jurczak,Jean-Michel Roberge

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2016.05.007

Abstract

Successful conservation needs to be informed by social science because it is closely linked to socio-economic processes and human behaviour. Limited knowledge about ecosystems' interactions with these processes currently undermines conservation efforts. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of social science concerning the world's largest multinationally-coordinated conservation infrastructure: the European Ecological Network - ‘Natura 2000’. Based on a review of 149 publications, we analyse and discuss the main findings and outline key social-science research gaps with regard to the Natura 2000 network. The review shows that human dimension of the Natura 2000 network is complex and varies among EU Member States. In general, low level and quality of public participation in implementation of the Natura 2000 network and its management, negative public perceptions of the network, lack of flexibility of responsible authorities and insufficient consideration of the local context pose the greatest challenges to the network's functioning. Important but hitherto little studied research topics include: evaluation of participation; effects of education on potential to raise public awareness; effects of potential financing mechanisms for compensating private land-owners; economic studies on cost-effectiveness; and benefits from conservation and ecosystem services. These knowledge gaps will need to be filled for the Natura 2000 network to reach its goals.

Highlights

Conservation science is characterised by a “tight coupling of social and natural systems” (Kareiva and Marvier, 2012)
The introduction of Natura 2000 met the opposition of various stakeholder groups in almost all Member States
One of the most conspicuous aspects identified by our review was the question of public participation or, broadly, stakeholder involvement

Summary

Introduction

Conservation science is characterised by a “tight coupling of social and natural systems” (Kareiva and Marvier, 2012). Successful conservation is not solely contingent on ecological knowledge, but should incorporate human behaviour and the resulting social processes which eventually influence the status of biodiversity (Ban et al, 2013; Fox et al, 2006). It is vital for conservation professionals to understand the factors shaping human-environment interactions, human choices concerning the use or conservation of natural resources (Mascia et al, 2003). Successful conservation requires recognition and understanding of the value of social science research, i.e. research that uses conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of social sciences, such as sociology, human geography, social policy, social psychology, political sciences, economy, public communication and management to investigate human behaviour and associated social processes (Bryman and Teevan, 2005)

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Conclusion