The main objective is to improve the level of knowledge on how different factors influence the possibilities for business development in protected areas. In particular spatial, institutional and procedural structures that influence business development in protected areas will be investigated. Former research has shown that both business interests and conservation interests need local legitimacy in order to fulfil their aims, and that the relationships between different stakeholders in protected areas need to be strengthened to successfully promote business development. In order to succeed in developing business in the protected areas, commercial actors have to deal with the general public (local community), conservation authorities/interests, and other ec onomical actors. The main topics in this project are therefore to 1) evaluate institutional frameworks influencing the legitimacy of business and interests conservation (i.e. social norms, public rights, old customs, law), and 2) register area conflicts b etween different user groups. Finally we will study new, innovative methodologies used to strengthen the legitimacy and relationships between these actors, namely the combined and deliberative use- and protection processes going on in Nordland County at p resent. In these processes the objective is to promote both conservation and business activity in a certain area. Local communities, protection authorities, regional authorities, traditional businesses (farmers, reindeer herders, fishermen) new businesses (eco- and adventure tourism) all take part in these processes.
The results from this project are expected to improve the understanding of the interaction and conflicts between different stakeholders in protected areas (in particular business interests), and lead to a more integrated utilization and management of these areas.