Protected Areas in Sustainable Development of Regions

The widespread adoption of sustainable development practices has affected the fundamental understanding of conservation and use of protected areas (PAs), placing the emphasis on the issue of increasing interest of local communities and businesses in conservation of such areas, which is essential for their integration into socio-economic development. At the same time, the recognition of the leading role of ecosystem services in “green” economy makes PAs considerable elements of the social, cultural and economic environment, without sacrificing their important conservation status. This requires significant changes in managing and planning the development of PAs, which would take into account not only the environmental perspective but also social, cultural and economic factors.

Keywords: protected areas, sustainable development, natural resources, biodiversity, socio-economic development of regions.