Managing conflict at Ramla Bay : exploring conflicts between conservation and recreation in protected areas : a case for contingency planning of sustainable resource management

Abstract

In the past protected areas were often designated as strict reserves, where public access was heavily restricted. Nowadays the concept of protected areas has changed and many protected areas now cater for multiple objectives, such as conservation, research and recreation. However, given a context of growing human pressures on natural areas, which applies also in protected areas, good management is needed to safeguard the integrity of such areas and to try and strike a balance between conservation and public use of the area. However, different interests may not always be compatible and conflict can emerge. The study focuses on a protected area in the island of Gozo: Ramla Bay; this area is protected for its ecological and historical importance, and is also a very popular place for recreation, due to its sandy beach among other attractions. The hypothesis posits that the activities and expectations of visitors may not always be compatible with conservation, resulting in conflicts over land and resource use. The research methodology has been based on triangulation, using questionnaires to visitors, direct observations on a random basis and interviews with specialists who have expertise relevant to the management of the site. The outcomes of the results lead to several conflicts and agreements between managers and visitors and even between managers themselves.