Diversity in Protected Area Governance and Its Implications for Management: An Institutional Analysis of Selected Parks in Iceland

Protected areas (PAs) are complex governance systems shaped by historical, site-specific, and contextual factors. This study reveals that the diversity in PA governance in Iceland's major parks is not accidental but a result of deliberate negotiation during their establishment. While this diversity reflects an adaptive approach to governance at the individual park level, it poses coordination challenges nationally. The research finds that current governance systems accommodate necessary management measures but lack formal coordination, hindering shared expertise and resource pooling. A key recommendation is the development of a legal and national policy framework to embrace PA governance diversity while ensuring more coordinated day-to-day management.

Siltanen, J., Petursson, J. G., Cook, D., & Davidsdottir, B. (2022). Diversity in Protected Area Governance and Its Implications for Management: An Institutional Analysis of Selected Parks in Iceland. Land, 11(2), 315. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11020315