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Desirable Effects from Disturbance Ecology—A Paradox within Conservation Management

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  • Åsa Davidsson

    (Centre for Societal Risk Research, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
    Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
    Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden)

  • Magnus Johansson

    (Centre for Societal Risk Research, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
    Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
    Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden)

  • Carl Bonander

    (Centre for Societal Risk Research, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
    School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

The importance of natural disturbances for biodiversity is well-documented in the disturbance ecology literature. Natural disturbances such as fire, wind, and flooding strongly influence ecosystems by creating short and long-term ecological processes. Conservation management of protected areas should consider the importance of natural disturbances since natural shifts in ecosystems are, in a long-term perspective, necessary to maintain high biodiversity. The purpose of this study is to explore how and if natural disturbances are incorporated in the management of Swedish national parks and to identify possible examples of barriers for this incorporation. The design of the study is a multiple comparative case study based on a document study and completed with qualitative interviews. The cases consist of propositions and management plans for 15 Swedish national parks established between 1962 and 2018. The document analysis generated four main categories: historic/future and positive/negative perceptions of natural disturbances. The results indicate that there are positive perceptions concerning the inclusion of disturbance ecology in the management of national parks. However, there are also obstacles and challenges around natural disturbances within Swedish national parks. These obstacles are, in some cases, explained by practical implications such as the closeness to surrounding societies and in others explained by paradoxes such as visitors’ perceptions of national parks and the wilderness.

Suggested Citation

  • Åsa Davidsson & Magnus Johansson & Carl Bonander, 2021. "Desirable Effects from Disturbance Ecology—A Paradox within Conservation Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-20, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:13:p:7049-:d:580466
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Carl Österlin & Peter Schlyter & Ingrid Stjernquist, 2020. "Different Worldviews as Impediments to Integrated Nature and Cultural Heritage Conservation Management: Experiences from Protected Areas in Northern Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, April.
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