INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT AS A DETERMINANT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURA 2000 AREAS IN THE OPINION OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The paper attempt to depict the opinion and expectations of the local communities in the context of the need was made at establishing the new institution in order to prepare residents to active participation (enhanced social participation) in steps taken by the authorities and the institutional environment to foster sustainable growth of local government units in Poland which are characterized by high proportions of environmentally sensitive areas. An interview questionnaire was the tool used to acquire information and empirical data, with a set of questions divided into categories. A survey with the use of the questionnaire was conducted among 400 respondents representing four local population groups. The geographic range of the research project covered four communes located in Małopolskie Voivodeship, namely: Krynica Zdrój, Łabowa, Muszyna and Piwniczna Zdrój. The studies carried out during 2014-2015 and analysis of their results constitute one of the stages that provide grounds for attempting at development of a management model based on the objectives and rules of sustainable development that would serve the purpose of mitigating existing and future social issues or conflicts between socio-economic growth and environmental protection in environmentally sensitive areas.