Workshop 6

Title: Protected Areas and Sustainable Mountain Development: What do we perceive when we observe a protected area?

Place: Building IV, Small Library, Flour I, Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi

Scheduled: Wednesday 5 July, 2023; 11:15 – 13:00

CO-CHAIRS:

Dr. Gvantsa Salukvadze, Tbilisi State University

Prof. Dr. Norman Backhaus, University of Zurich

PRESENTERS:

Temur Gugushvili, Assistant Professor, International Black Sea University

The transformations of family-run businesses around mountain protected areas

Gvantsa Salukvadze, Researcher, Dept. of Human Geography, Tbilisi State University; Affiliated researcher, Dept. of Geography: Space, Nature and Society, University of Zurich

Expansion of Kazbegi National Park and local response: Your Park and my Land?

Norman Backhaus, Professor, Dept. of Geography: Space, Nature and Society | University Priority Programme Global Change and Biodiversity, University of Zurich

The role of trust in conservation – The case of a failed national park in the Swiss mountains

Asatryan Vardan, Lead researcher, Scientific center of Zoology and Hydroecology of NAS RA

Keryan Tigran, Dr. MSc., Institute for Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning (ILEN)
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)

Radinger-Peer Verena, Ass. Prof. Dr., Institute for Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning (ILEN); University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)

Dallakyan Marine, Lead researcher, Scientific center of Zoology and Hydroecology of NAS RA

Cultural Ecosystem Services Potential of Small Mountain Streams in the Protected Areas of the Caucasus: Case Study Dilijan National Park (Armenia)

DESCRIPTION:

Protected Areas (PAs) are an essential component of mountain development. As PAs serve to protect natural and cultural resources, foster biodiversity, provide ecosystem services and boost economic opportunities like tourism. However, the growth and development of PAs can present challenges for stakeholders, particularly local residents who may be affected by PA expansion, ineffective governance, or other related issues.

This workshop will explore the role of PAs in sustainable mountain development and the obstacles and opportunities they present for residents as well as provide a platform to discuss different cases where PAs have influenced the lives of locals and the impact of PA expansion on the communities around them. It will also delve into the role of PA governance in ensuring that residents have a voice in the development of PAs and the implications of PA expansion for the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the communities they serve. Participants will discuss different strategies for building effective partnerships between PA management and residents to foster sustainable development that benefits all stakeholders.