Natura 2000 sites in the Polish Carpathians vs local development : inevitable conflict?

This paper discusses the results of a study on the influence of Natura 2000 sites on local development, as emerge from analyses of the content of Management Plans (MPs) for 40 sites located in the Polish Carpathians, as well as from case studies and documentary evidence, including administrative decisions connected with Natura 2000. Particular attention is given to those topics and stakeholders that dominate the public debate on MPs, potential and existing threats as identified in MPs, implementation suggestions for local plans and strategies, and how regulations are applied during the realization of any spatial development. The main findings suggest that Natura 2000 acts as a break on proposed spatial development only in very specific locations where high biological values meet sports facilities and settlement development pressure. Nevertheless, large-scale conflicts could potentially appear in forestry and the management of waterways.