Love of the Land
Possibilities for community conservation of the Rhodope mountain land and resource
Research in Semester 1 laid the foundation for the master's project. It explored relationships formed between different communities and their land.
Abstract
Disconnection between people and land is at the core of many of today’s environmental issues. The role of local communities is crucial in efforts for protection and conservation. This research looks at the possibilities for community conservation of land, resources, and the related traditional practices in the context of the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. To determine the importance of communities in land conservation, the connection between communities and the land they occupy was examined. Further, the role of sustainable land use through traditional practices in local communities was established. Additionally, recognition of local communities’ role in sustainable land use was explored on a global scale. The communities of the Rhodope Mountains were studied in the context of their land use practices and related land issues. The research shows that establishing structures which allow strong community involvement and decision-making are important for successful conservation initiatives. Based on the findings, recommendations were made for the development of community conserved areas in the Rhodope Mountains.