Ecoregion-based conservation in the Carpathians and the land-use implications

The transition countries of East Central Europe have had to cope with some severe environmental problems inherited from the communist period when urban-industrial development accelerated and pressure from tourism increased; and while the balance between agriculture and forestry did not change greatly, intensification resulted in some degradation. However, biodiversity resources in ECE are still high in comparison with those of western Europe; yet there are dangers. First, although development pressures have relaxed during the transition, some unsustainable coping strategies have been induced. Second, development threats will become more intense as the enlargement of the EU proceeds and appropriate safeguards are called for. The Carpathians have been identified as a particularly vulnerable area and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature is playing a leading role in preparing a programme for ecoregion-based conservation. This paper examines the background to this Carpathian Ecoregion Initiative (CEI) and considers some of the implications of greater protection for core areas and encouragement of sustainable practices among stakeholder groups.