Challenges and opportunities for public use funding in Protected Areas

Abstract

Challenges and opportunities for public use funding in Protected Areas.

Natural areas have been used for recreation (hunting, fishing, associations of hikers, etc.) for a long time. Current levels of demand, however, indicate an unprecedented situation, initiated in the 60s. In this context, public use is the most powerful tool for connecting protected areas with society, and one of the most valuable ones for sustainability. But effective management requires funding. Traditionally, Governments have been in charge of funding conservation and visitor management but, nowadays in the face of rapidly rising visitor number and demands, many protected areas are forced to charge fees. In Spain visitor fees are not widespread yet but, how long will Governments be able to fund public use and avoid a loss of quality? Should the visitors, direct beneficiaries of recreation in these areas, pay for the corresponding costs? This paper introduces some of the main issues on public use funding and the use of park tourism fees in order to foster the forthcoming discussion.