Contribution of natural catastrophe risk management to sustainable development of protected areas

Abstract

This paper deals with possible ways of managing catastrophic risks in protected areas, with special emphasis on ecological insurance and insurance of cultural assets. The aim of the paper is to highlight the importance of adequate risk management of natural disasters for the sustainable development of protected areas. The results of analysis of selected case studies in the paper demonstrate the potential of protected areas to mitigate adverse effects of natural disasters. Natural catastrophe risk management through the insurance allows for the relief of the state budget. In addition to the prevention and reduction of catastrophic risks that protected areas can provide, the introduction of compulsory ecological insurance for polluters as well as ensuring cultural assets to a specific sum insured are proposed.

Keywords

• protected areas
• sustainable development
• natural catastrophes
• insurance