The public perceptions of the value of "Muránska planina national park" and the regional environmental policy

Abstract

The Conservation of the biodiversity has become an important topic. The established protected areas bring alongside positive and negative objects to achieve this aim. This thesis aims to clarify the similarities and differences in the perception of the Muránska planina national park among the different groups living or doing business nearby. It also tries to determine the level of knowledge of citizens, their views on the desired development and the willingness of residents to be involved in conservation and decision-making processes.

Under quantitative research, three hypotheses were formulated and the questionnaire was completed by 193 respondents in nine focused municipalities. Within the frame of qualitative research face-to-face interview with open-ended questions was used to reach the goals of this work. In-depth analysis of 11 conducted interviews has also served to the supplement knowledge.

The findings indicated low level of awareness and low quality of the knowledge of the national park. On the other hand, residents expressed the desire for information and surprisingly high willingness to participate in nature conservation and decisions concerning the study area. In addition, the survey results indicated the desired directions of development in terms of tourism and the possible complications of such development.