Conflict management in protected areas: The Lazar Canyon natural monument, Eastern Serbia

Abstract

In recent decades, increasing utilisation pressure on forests and emphasis on the need for nature conservation has resulted in numerous conflicts between local communities and the institutions responsible for implementing nature conservation policy in Serbia. One example of these conflicts occurs in the Lazar Canyon natural monument in Eastern Serbia. This contains exceptional floristic and animal diversity as well as landscape diversity and beauty. After presenting the conservation policy in Serbia, the organisational structure of the institutions related to this case study, and the relevant stakeholders, this paper presents an approach to participatory management planning and conservation. It discusses potential solutions to the problem, and the feasibility of applying them. The study is based on a small survey with relevant stakeholders to explore their attitudes towards forests as natural resources and nature conservation policy. Findings suggest that these conflicts could be overcome through the involvement of all stakeholders and jointly agreed activities.