DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS COVERED BY THE ECOLOGICAL NETWORK 'NATURA 2000' (Rozwoj terenow wiejskich objetych siecia ekologiczna Natura 2000)

The ecological network 'Natura 2000' creates certain barriers not only to the development of major road-building investments but also to the development of local communities, which is largely attributable to the fact that self-governments are often refused active role in the process of delimitation of protected areas and that the interpretation of the existing regulations is not always clear. However, apart from the evident barriers it is possible to notice also positive elements which, when skilfully used, can contribute to the development of areas covered by the 'Natura 2000' network. It obviously is necessary to apply such form of environmental protection as 'Natura 2000' but its costs should not be borne by the rural communes alone. Thus, a discussion should be started on the need to create an Environmental Fund financed by the entire society, which would help compensate the local communities for the burden of protecting Poland's natural environment.