Cooperation in the Polish national parks and their neighborhood in a view of different stakeholders – a long way ahead?

Abstract

National parks, among other forms of conservation, have a national importance and so-called “national ownership”. This has been used as both an argument and a counterargument for their protection. Regardless of their environmental goals, their existence influences not only wildlife, but also neighboring communities. In this way, national parks are the common ground that connects many groups: local communities, local governments, hunters, foresters and national park employees. They live, use and manage the same or neighboring land. Different perspectives of stakeholders arise owing to the conflicting positions certain people and groups hold, together with their specific backgrounds and goals. The goal of this paper is to show these perspectives and the potential for future cooperation in the area of two national parks in Poland. The study shows that, over 20 years after transition, historical conditions and perception of the change still influence relations between national parks and local people.