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Protected areas are no longer focused solely on conservation and protection needs but play a central role in promoting sustainable development in local socio-territorial systems. The Tepilora Natural Regional Park (TNRP) in Sardinia offers an example of this phenomenon. This paper highlights the significance of the TNRP in balancing conservation needs with the sustainable development of local populations - an effort that resulted in the establishment of the Tepilora, Rio Posada and Montalbo Biosphere Reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the years following the foundation of the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature Park (in 1996) and Gesäuse National Park (in 2002), both nature conservation organizations faced heavy resistance from the local population and actors in the local economy. Today things look different: the so-called Gesäuse Partners are building a strong network that brings the parties together. Our experiences can be used practically by the managers of protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 62 % of its total area covered in forest, Styria is the most densely forested province in Austria. Accordingly, forests, more than any other habitat, characterise the landscape in the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark. The forest areas of the nature park are managed by a combination of private owners and the Styrian Provincial Forests, the Austrian Federal Forests and the City of Vienna. The near-natural areas of the nature park forests in particular are characterised by species-rich fauna and flora, which include specially protected species. However, the forests of the nature park do not simply provide habitats for a large number of protected animal and plant species. Due to their location - embedded between the Dürrenstein wilderness area, the Kalkalpen National Park and the Gesäuse National Park - they also function as important stepping-stone habitats for many forest-bound species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]