Our last publication "Eco-entrepreurners: challenges for adding value to protected areas" gathers several studies demonstrating the positive socio-economic impact of protected areas on the local populations

In 2007 TERRA produced, for the Castilla and León Natural Heritage Foundation, "SME, entrepreneurs and Natura 2000".

Training on environmental management for employees at Protected Areas.

Nature conservation and society

We believe that greater efforts are needed to integrate nature conservation in other sectorial policies, and very specially in rural development policy. It is also crucial to promote the socioeconomic benefits that protected sites generate for local actors, because conservation would not be possible without their participation.

Since 1996 TERRACENTRO has undertaken various projects in this respect, some of which have been pioneering in Europe. Work has been carried out on:

- socioeconomic impact and of job creation of protected areas

- adding value to protected sites.

- eco-entrepreneurs and sustainable rural development in protected sites.

- promotion of the use of Community funds for conservation.

- Eco conectivity

References

TERRACENTRO, C/ Rufino Sanchez 83 bajo 9, E-28290 Las Matas, Spain, Tf.: (34)916302662 terra@terracentro.org