THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS IN LITHUANIA AND WORLDWIDE: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

In this article the development of protected areas worldwide and in Lithuania was analysed. By studying scientific literature, environmental laws, other documents the table of chronological events was created, together with a scheme of Lithuanian protected areas development eras, illustrating formation and shift of protected areas paradigm in Lithuania over time. During the research it was clarified, that the system of protected areas does not manage to keep up with rising environment protection requirements. The system of prohibition with the purpose of unilateral benefits for Grand dukes, protecting their hunting grounds, existed for millennia and is deeply rooted in the traditions of protected areas. Nevertheless, the tradition is changing over the last century, making nature protection more integral and social. Despite of that, the need to protect natural resources is raising faster than new protected areas are being created. Evaluating the meaningful influence of protected areas creation in regional development, we come to conclusion that adaptation is necessary involving more interested parties ir the management of protected areas, forming integrated communal environmental protection.