The evolution of nature conservation policy in the Czech Republic—challenges of Europeanisation in the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area

The White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area (PLA) typifies large areas of grassland in the Central and East European countries which, to maintain their exceptional nature conservation and landscape value, rely on the continuation of traditional farming practice. Current domestic policies in the Czech Republic recognise the need for an incentive-based approach. However, achievement of policy goals is hampered by a number of factors including a lack of harmonisation between policy instruments, faulty policy design, uncertainty over property rights to farmland and a lack of engagement with local communities, including farmers. The requirements of European Union accession raise severe challenges to policy development, administration and monitoring. However, it is argued they will also present an opportunity for greater participation by local actors and for increasing the level of co-operation between governmental institutions in policy development.