Barriers to nature conservation in Germany: A model explaining opposition to protected areas

Germany is particularly plagued in its nature conservation strategies by widespread and persistent opposition to the designation and management of protected areas through local resistance. This opposition is continuing, despite Germany's commitment to international and European mandates to enhance biodiversity within its borders. This paper seeks to explain why this opposition is so coherent and so protracted with reference to research into the attitudes of residents, landowners and managers on both sides of the debate. The research involved the use of grounded theory approaches, sensitive interactive interviewing, and the gradual application of social psychological theories of social identity and reactance. The evidence is strong that there are powerful emotional and cultural drivers that divide nature conservationists and local landusers and residents into two camps, maintained by stereotyping and group bonding. Based on these findings, practical and constructive ways are proposed to reconcile these differing perceptions. (C) 2001 Academic Press.