Management of Protected Areas - A master of science programme

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> conceptual framework
The conceptual framework is based on the goals and meaning of the diverse categories of Protected Areas, ranging from large internationally acknowledged national parks to small nature reserves and natural monuments. Our understanding of Protected Areas comprises all types of landscapes and ecosystems that are protected by law, by contracts or by certificates in order to primarily conserve natural features, biodiversity and landscapes. Biodiversity includes the diversity of genes (genetic diversity), species, ecosystems and landscapes. In our programme we focus on all features relevant for the management of these sites with a special emphasis on creating additional benefits for these sites in terms of research, education, raising awareness, recreation and sustainable regional (economic) development.
		Types of PAs. The "jungle" of different types of Protected Areas leads to the fact that some 25 to 30 different predicates, legal instruments and international have to be understood and handled. Since these types may overlap and interact, a comprehensive understanding of PA categories is an essential part of the introductory courses of the programme. (The example of Austria in the figure states exemplarily the diversity of national legal types of sites.)
The presentation of the practical instruments and tools for designing and managing Protected Areas, and best practice examples follow the life-cycle of a Protected Area, beginning with a fuzzy preparation phase, followed by a clearly structured planning phase, and then by the phase of implementing and (constantly) managing Protected Areas.
		The life-cycle of a PA. The trisection of the development of a PA may seem quite artificial, but turned out to be very helpful in the understanding the development of PAs or even of PA systems.
Growing awareness of the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation, and the significantly increasing number of all kinds of Protected Areas, particularly in the European Union thanks to its Natura 2000 network, are leading to a growing demand for highly skilled professionals to design and manage the increasing number and acreage of sites.

		Development of Sites. These figures may show one oft the most important trends in conservation worldwide. Whatever category or geografical unit you analyse: number and acreage of sites are steadily increasing. A lot of expertise will be required to develop and manage the PA network that meanwhile covers more than 11% of the planets surface and more than 20% of Europe.