The history of the changing nature of protected area management objectives

Natural areas have been reserved for thousands of years. However, the reasons for reservation have changed with time. Natural areas management objectives have changed from personal/individual human needs to environmental protection. Unlike old protected areas, new protected areas have multiple management objectives. The management objectives changed from protection-for-now to protection-for-the-future. It has also changed from a human benefit perspective to a philanthropic perspective. Through a historical overview, this paper argues that changes in landscape, human needs and awareness are the main driving forces behind changes in management objectives of the protected areas through time. By looking at the past and present for protected areas management aims, this paper argues that the first management aim of protected areas has led to isolating landscape of protected areas from their surrounding areas. However, through time, the aims were changed and therefore, methods of protected areas planning have changed towards reconciliation with surrounding landscape. Through a case study approach it is discussed that the purpose of contemporary management plans for protected areas could be different in various countries.