Co-Management of Protected Areas: A Governance System Analysis of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park's co-management system, tailored through political negotiations and park-specific legislation, demonstrates adaptive governance that fosters rural development, inclusivity, and power-sharing. While it has successfully addressed legitimacy concerns and facilitated devolution, challenges persist in delineating responsibilities among actors, leading to conflicts and capacity issues. The study argues that the system is fit for its purpose but requires systematic improvements as Iceland expands its protected area estate, offering valuable insights for global conservation efforts.

Petursson, J. G., & Kristofersson, D. M. (2021). Co-Management of Protected Areas: A Governance System Analysis of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland. Land, 10(7), 681. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10070681