Hungarian Geographical Bulletin (Jun 2022)

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

  • Sašo Gorjanc,
  • Tina Simončič,
  • Aleš Poljanec,
  • Béla Kuslits,
  • Ildikó Arany,
  • Eszter Tanács,
  • Ágnes Vári,
  • Réka Aszalós,
  • Anghel Drasovean,
  • Alin Mos,
  • Laura Maeso Velasco,
  • Andrea Reuter,
  • Udo Gattenlohner

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15201/hungeobull.71.2.6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 71, no. 2
pp. 181 – 195

Abstract

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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.

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