Integrated and decentralized protection and development of mountain landscapes

Abstract

This article discusses how new trends for decentralised and integrated protection and local development of mountain landscapes have appeared in recent management practice, and how decentralised protection and management models could contribute to integrated and dynamic local development practice. Case studies performed on two larger protected areas and two regional parks based on local initiatives and agreements show that the two trends are quite visible in Norwegian mountain landscape management, but only to a certain extent. Our suggestions for promoting these trends are to consider: (1) revising the protected area regulations managed by the nature protection authorities to also include local development as a specific purpose; (2) transferring the protected area responsibility to the land use planning authorities; and (3) using regional parks as a framework for integrated and decentralised development within the existing restrictions and possibilities.