Articles, Papers and Speeches
Protected Areas
Roger sets out his ambition for the world’s special natural places RSGS on YouTube - October 2020
Roger argues the case for better care for the world’s special natural places - March 2020
Roger reviews progress and action needed on marine protected areas in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
Roger Crofts sets out action programme for enhancing protected areas in Europe - 31 May 2015
Geoconservation In Protected Areas - article in Parks - November 2014
Putting Nature on the Map - Summary of a Report and Recommendations on the Use of the IUCN System of Protected Area Categorisation in the UK - Late 2014 (Full Report available here).
The European Natura 2000 Protected Area Approach: A Practitioner's Perspective - March 2014
Natura 2000 is the first and only regional biodiversity protected area approach in the world. Over its 20 years of existence it has been a positive force for conservation, but it has certain limitations. This paper assesses some of its strengths and weaknesses from a practitioner’s perspective. Overall, the assessment is positive as without it biodiversity loss would probably have been greater, and with it there is a unique transnational approach. The positive aspects identified are the biogeographical framework, pan-European classification of species and habitats, and the political will to implement it. The negative aspects are that it is a static approach to species and habitat conservation, the Natura approach to biodiversity conservation is being undermined by perverse subsidies from other EU funding mechanisms, especially the Common Agricultural Policy, and the effects of development on the fragmentation of habitats are dominant. Also, in practice, there has been a failure to implement wider countryside and connectivity measures. Lessons relevant to other parts of the world are discussed.
The Future of Protected Areas - July 2013.
We have failed so far, so what should we do?
Putting Nature on the Map: Applying the IUCN Protected Areas Management Categories in the UK - March 2013
Response to Scottish Campaign for National Parks Strategy - Unfinished Business - April 2013
Applying the IUCN Protected Area Management Categories in Europe - Categorisation & Certification - World Conservation Congress Sept 2012
IUCN WCPA - Proposed Task Group on Geodiversity and Protected Areas - March 2011
Scottish National Parks - Overstepping the mark? - The Geographer, Spring 2012
National Parks - Lessons from around the world - The Geographer, Spring 2012
Management of established PAs - Chapter from Fields of Activity in PA Management:Stakeholders and Regional Development
IEEM in Practice - Protected Areas Issue December 2009
Coastal and Marine National Parks for Scotland: A Contribution to the Debate
Response in 2004 to the Scottish Executive’s proposal to establish a coastal and marine national park provides ideal opportunity for celebrating Scotland’s coastal and marine resources and their sustainable use. Implementation should ensure that an integrated approach is taken on all aspects of the sustainable development of coastal and marine areas, in context of strategic framework for the marine environment.
Danube Wetlands Management Project
This is the final report of the governance and capacity component of the Danube Wetlands Management Project for Persina Nature Park (PNP) and Kalimok Brushlen Protected Site (KBPS) written in 2006. The report summarises the problems with the current approaches at Kalimok Brushlen and Persina, states the goal for a new governance model, considers the possible models, describes the rationale for and makes a recommendation on the preferred model, describes the governance structure, funding needs and opportunities, and sets out the respective roles and responsibilities of different parts of the structures, defines the posts required, calculates the overall costs, considers the implications for PNP and for KBPS, makes recommendations on funding, and on the capacity building and training required.
Scientific Council of the Bonn Convention - Bullet Point Speech
Transcript of Presentation to the Scottish Branch of the Royal Society of Arts
Thank you very much for the opportunity to discuss National Parks for Scotland. What I want to do first is just give a little bit of the history of why we haven’t had them when England and Wales have for fifty years; talk a little bit about our general proposals, and talk specifically about the proposals for the first park here in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs. The book of the film is at the back, so please take one of those - that’s our formal advice to Government.
National Parks and All That - Where are we Going?
The theme of my talk is about the whole question of how we protect the special parts of Scotland because of their ecological, geological, geomorphological, and scenic importance. I will do that in the context of the work which the Government has asked Scottish Natural heritage to do in preparing proposals for National Parks in Scotland, and reviewing the system of landscape protection (National Scenic Areas) in Scotland, bearing in mind that designation of protection areas is, let’s face it, a somewhat contentious issue.
Linking Protected Areas to the Wider World - A Review of Approaches
Protected areas are the basic foundation for the conservation of biological and landscape diversity. During the first century of their development attention was placed predominately on identification and protection of the key features. The pros and cons of this approach are examined. Now there is a need to recognise the importance of linking protected areas to the rest of the landscape and seascape through ecological and other environmental processes, and also to society both adjacent to and further afield from protected area boundaries. The various methods and the experience in applying them in different parts of the world are explained. Particular attention is given first to predominately ecological approaches and, second, to more integrated approaches. Practical issues in implementation are discussed.
Institue of Ecology and Environmental Management Annual Conference - 9/11/2000
Improving the Effectiveness of Protected Areas - In this paper I shall reflect on the protected area system which we have in Britain, and particularly in Scotland, in the context of changing needs and circumstances and lessons from elsewhere. First, I shall examine the effectiveness of current protected area mechanisms and then spell out what I call ‘the three absolutes’ of the evolving picture: new frameworks, policy shifts and improving management capacity.
Benefits Beyond Boundaries - Durban Accord and Action Plan - Powerpoint Presentation
Changing Approaches to Nature in Europe in the Later 20th Century - The Three Progressions
Europe is a very diverse continent. Its earth history, its species and habitat distribution, and its climate represent a number of the Earth’s biogeographical regions. In addition, it has experienced a diverse human history, has a mix of cultural origins, and a variety of institutional approaches. It is also affected by global approaches to nature. To identify and assess the changing approaches is therefore not entirely straight forward. The broad pattern of changes in approach that have occurred in the later twentieth century and to assess the causal factors are the basis of this paper.
The Vth IUCN World Parks Congress marked a turning point for protected areas. It placed them at thecentre of international efforts to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. By taking as its theme ‘Benefits Beyond Boundaries’, the Congress recognised that protected areas cannot exist in isolation from the surrounding land and sea. Nor can they be managed without regard to the communities and economic activities within and around them. The Congress affirmed the immense value of protected areas to society, now and in the future. Finally the participants committed themselves to working with many partners to deliver a wider agenda for protected areas in future.
Improving the Effectiveness of Protected Areas - The Evolving Picture
In this paper I shall reflect on the protected area system which we have in Britain, and particularly in Scotland, in the context of changing needs and circumstances and lessons from elsewhere. First, I shall examine the effectiveness of current protected area mechanisms and then spell out what I call ‘the three absolutes’ of the evolving picture: new frameworks, policy shifts and improving management capacity.
Coastal and Marine National Parks for Scotland
The Scottish Executive’s request for advice from SNH and its more recent consultation on the establishment of a Coastal and Marine National Park is excellent. The fact that all interests are not supportive was predictable as there are many vested interests and there has not been a proper process of engagement of all relevant interests in the areas favoured by the government.
International Experience of Establishing National Parks - Powerpoint Presentation
There's Never Enough Money for Protected Areas....Let's Try Harder - Powerpoint Presentation
Conservation and Recreation in Protected Ares - Reconciling Opposites? - Powerpoint Presentation
Protected Areas for the 20th Century - Beyond Boundaries
If protected areas are to maintain their position as an ecological and environmental asset and to overcome the criticism that there existence is inimical to social and economic development, then significant changes in approach are required. These changes were the basis of the Vth World Parks Congress held in Durban, South Africa in September 2003. The theme of ‘Benefits Beyond Boundaries’ was chosen to ensure that protected areas did not continue to live in isolation from the surrounding territory or from civil society.
Tourism and National Parks - An International Perspective - Powerpoint Presentation
WCPA European Programme - Protected Areas in Europe for People and Nature
Europe has a rich tapestry of areas that reflect the continent’s natural and cultural history. These sites represent our shared heritage and are protected in each country as national parks, regional parks, nature parks, nature reserves, protected landscapes and countless other designations suited to the circumstances of the nation and its constituent parts. There are tens of thousands of these designated areas around Europe representing the very best places for the plants and animals that live there, the habitats and ecosystems which provide them with their natural home, and for the landscapes representing Europe’s long and often tortuous earth history and the interaction of human society with it since it was first settled a few thousand years ago.
Review of 'Protected Areas in Europe - For People and Nature - IUCN's Programme 2005-08
The programme theme was People and Nature for two reasons. It was to vitally important to connect civil society and nature through protected areas mechanisms. It was also important to use language reflecting European culture towards nature and reflecting also the integrated approach to protected areas within IUCN in Europe.
The Sea and Coast - Bullet Point Speech
Notes from speech given in 2007 setting out the need for greater attention to the care and management of coastal and marine areas.
©2024 Roger Crofts | Designed by Fraser Hood