Understanding public participation and perceptions of stakeholders for a better management in Danube Delta biosphere reserve (Romania)

Abstract

Community needs ask for local management approaches as a response to the structure and evolution of a specific environment. The importance of managerial ethics in individualizing operational entities in terms of sustainable development of increasingly tense spaces stands for an efficient design of socio-ecological systems, such as Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR). Such an approach helps people gain knowledge, values and the awareness they need to manage efficiently environmental resources and to take responsibility for maintaining environmental quality. This study examines the perceptions of local stakeholders in Sfantu Gheorghe, DDBR, Romania, with the aim of developing key concepts that will be used in future information and communication strategies regarding economic characteristics, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in the area. For this 30 cognitive maps were developed together with stakeholders. Analysis reveals that DDBRAdministration, county authorities and local authorities are substantiallyworried about the pollution and overfishing, while other social groups care more about touristic activities, accessibility degree, health system or financial resources. The lack of coordination and effective policies for the management of different sectors of activities were also identified as a common problem and have accentuated both environmental and socio-economic problems.