Biosphere reserves—An attempt to form sustainable landscapes: A case study of three biosphere reserves in the Czech Republic

Established under the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, biosphere reserves represent protected areas intended to demonstrate well-balanced relationship between conservation of biodiversity and an appropriate local development. They can be thus considered as an attempt to form sustainable landscape. As sustainable development is a human-centred concept the article contributes primarily to the discussion on social part of the nature–social relationship, namely on quality of life of local population and problems of social acceptance of biodiversity conservation measures. Triangulation approach was applied as a fundamental frame for empirical data analysis, combining analysis of official statistical data, content analysis of regional media, semi-standardized interviews with key personalities and extensive questionnaire survey. Three Czech biosphere reserves were used as model areas. Based on results gained it is possible to state that the concept of biosphere reserve itself can be used as a model when we try to implement ideas of sustainable landscape in practice. However, while quality of life did not seem to be much affected by the fact that people lived in protected areas, full harmonization of biodiversity protection and socio-economic development were hindered by constraints of formal and legislative nature.