One of the two groups from the BETTER Life Summer School ventured to KrkonoÅ¡e National Park (KRNAP) to tackle a pressing environmental and economic challenge: “Developing Ski-Resorts and New Ski-Slopes vs. Protecting Biodiversity and Nature.” This dilemma, intertwined with the broader issue of overtourism in KRNAP, was at the center of the group’s fieldwork.
Participants engaged with key stakeholders, including representatives from the local government, KRNAP administration, and the tourism industry. Through discussions with two representatives from KRNAP and three from tourism operators, they gained valuable insights into the conflicting interests of economic growth and environmental protection.
Armed with this information, participants explored how Socially Engaged Research (SER) principles could be applied to balance tourism development with conservation efforts in the park. The group is now preparing to propose solutions that prioritize sustainability while addressing the needs of the local economy and community.
