Search Climate Insights Directory

The paper argues that traditional top-down, uni-dimensional management of protected areas fails to capture the complexity of social-ecological systems. To address this, the authors develop a participatory integrated assessment approach that combines social multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) with economic valuation via choice experiments and ecological valuation via bio-geographic assessment. Applying this to the Garate-Santa Barbara Natura 2000 site in the Basque Country, the study identifies a conflict between the conservation of cork oak forests and the expansion of txakoli vineyards. The results indicate that a management option increasing cork oak woodland combined with additional compensation schemes (Alternative A32) is the most globally valued and socially acceptable solution. The authors conclude that such an interdisciplinary, inclusive approach fosters social learning and creates the social capital necessary for sustainable land-use transitions.