The management model of the Natura 2000 network in Puglia: opinions and expectations of stakeholders

The implementation of integrated approach in the management of sites of the Natura 2000 network presupposes the stakeholders’ involvement to efficiently combine the nature conservation at the sites with the main human activities (tourism-recreational, agricultural and forestry activities). The aim of this study is to investigate the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the current management model of the Natura 2000 network in the Puglia region through the stakeholders’ opinions and point of views. To this end, a semi-structured questionnaire was face-to-face administered to 27 stakeholders (61.4% of identified stakeholders). From a methodological point of view, a SWOT-AHP analysis was implemented to identify a ranking of individual strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the management of the Natura 2000 network in Puglia. In addition, a social network analysis was developed to understand the efficiency of current network of relationships in the management of Natura 2000 network and the potential for improvement in a future network. The results show the need to increase the level of inclusiveness in decision-making processes related to the management of the Natura 2000 network. Furthermore, the results of this study show the scarcity of human and financial resources available to managers as a key factor on which to intervene (weakness point). Finally, particular attention should be paid to the main threat underlined by the interviewees: the loss and fragmentation of habitats due to anthropic causes and abiotic factors.