Participation in the management of Greek Natura 2000 sites: Evidence from a cross-level analysis

摘要: The governance of protected areas has experienced rapid advancement over the last two decades with regard to inclusion stakeholders and local communities into management process. During same period Greek biodiversity been characterized by a shift, at least on paper, towards adoption participatory approaches primarily through establishment agencies. However, this not institutionalized for majority Natura 2000 sites, thus posing questions existence, nature, effectiveness participation in sites no agency. This is first conducted large scale, cross level analysis enabling formation representative picture situation country. We investigated nature role exploring both general opinions regarding national context network as well site-specific three case study where have established. Overall, we analyzed results 96 interviews, national, regional 734 questionnaires areas. Results indicate non-significant difference among levels, or between that stakeholders' exists mainly paper whereas community practically absent. Stakeholder engagement seems take place administrational documentation across levels be locally confined based personal contacts initiatives. Interviewees survey respondents indicated preference improving community's sites. revealed urgent need policy initiatives adopting meaningful, fair collaborative two-way forms development implementation facilitation, guidance training programs.