Protected areas as tools to strengthen the conections between science, management and society

Abstract

Mugica de la Guerra, M., Montes, C., Mata Olmo, R., Castell Puig, C. 2020. Protected areas as tools to strengthen the connections between science, management and society. Ecosistemas 29(1):1904. https://doi.org/10.7818/ECOS.1904

Protected areas are the most tried and tested tools for biodiversity conservation, although biodiversity continues to decline worldwide. Their original concept has evolved to incorporate territorial, social and economic aspects into the original conservation objectives. Global change is accelerating the need for a more holistic and innovative approach to their planning and management. The transfer of scientific knowledge to decision making and the involvement of society are crucial. This article reviews the current needs to improve the multiple objectives of protected areas taking as a framework the "Society and Protected Areas Programme: protected areas for human well-being" promoted by EUROPARC-Spain and the Fernando González Bernáldez Foundation. The eight strategic lines in which this Program is developed (Integration of protected areas in the territory. Ecosystem services for human well-being. Transfer of scientific knowledge to management. Strategic communication to increase social and political support. Diversification of governance models. Diversification of financing models. Greening of sectoral policies. Global responsibility and international cooperation) have as a link of union the territorial integration without which the functions of conservation of the intrinsic values of nature are very difficult to achieve. Proposals are made to improve the interrelationship between interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, the management of protected areas and social involvement.