Eco.mont Vol. 5 Nr. 2, pp. 23-34, 2013/12/02
Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management
The management effectiveness of protected areas is linked to the type and form of administration structures applied in each country within the framework of its environmental policy implementation. The administration structure gives citizens the opportunity to take part in decision-making processes concerning the environment and includes partnerships with regional authorities, management bodies, competent ministries, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations. The main principles pertaining to the administration of protected areas are based on international conventions aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment. The present study was conducted at Dadia National Park (NP), in the Evros Prefecture. The stakeholders involved in the administration and management of the NP, namely the park management, the municipality of Soufli and the regional authorities of Evros Prefecture, as well as locals and visitors, were asked their opinion about the effectiveness of administration and management of the park. The results of the study indicate that there are weaknesses affecting the collaboration of the administrative bodies, the locals are not satisfied with the local authorities’ operations, and the visitors are not being adequately informed about the relevant bodies and type of administration and management of the NP.
