Evaluation of the attention capture and holding power of interpretive signs among visitors to a nature trail in the High Tatras National Park (Slovakia)

Nature trails have become very popular and have become the most widespread method of interpreting natural and cultural heritage. This paper presents the result of evaluation research of a nature trail in the High Tatras National Park (Slovakia). The holding power and attention capture of the individual panels were assessed by observation including further analysis of other factors related to the interpretive quality or location of the panels. Evaluation shows that the trail is overloaded with text and does not adequately link the communicated content with the surroundings. The individual trail panels have a relatively low degree of holding power and attention capture. The evaluation reveals the importance of good quality and thoughtful interpretation of natural heritage. Overall, the study also shows the difficulties associated with the use of statistical methods to analyze the effectiveness of selected trail features.Naučné stezky se staly populárním a široce rozšířeným prostředkem interpretace přírodního a kulturního dědictví. Cílem prezentované případové studie je přispět ke zvýšení jejich kvality. Text předkládá výsledky evaluačního výzkumu naučné stezky v Národním parku Vysoké Tatry (Slovensko). Na základě pozorování byly v rámci výzkumu vyhodnocovány atraktivita a síla jednotlivých panelů a provedeny související analýzy hodnotící význam dalších faktorů, jako je například umístění panelů. Evaluace ukázala, že naučná stezka je přesycená textem a dostatečně nepropojuje komunikovaný obsah se svým okolím. Jednotlivé panely vykazují relativně malou hladinu síly a atraktivity. Evaluace dále ukazuje na důležitost kvalitní a promyšlené interpretace přírodního dědictví. Celkově také studie poukazuje na problémy související s využitím statistických metod pro analýzu přínosu vybraných rysů naučné stezky. Pro hlubší poznání problematiky pak navrhuje provedení dalších výzkumů, které by čerpaly ze zahraničních zkušeností při zohlednění interpretačních tradic čerpajících z jiného kontextu

Operating Vehicles’ Speed Prediction Models

Vehicle speed is one of the main factors that influence the occurrence and severity of the consequences of road traffic accidents. Operating speed can be defined, among other things, as the actual speed at which the largest number of road users drive in conditions of free traffic flow. It can be measured on existing roads, however, on newly designed roads it can only be predicted. For this reason, many researchers have examined the correlation between the elements of the road as well as its surroundings and operating speed. By determining the correlation, models for predicting operating speed were created. As part of this paper, the most significant models for predicting operating speed were analysed. Of course, the largest number of models are stochastic, but in recent years, models based on artificial intelligence, more precisely on deep learning, have also been created. Accordingly, the goal of this paper is to review the model for predicting the operating speed of vehicles while identifying opportunities for further research and improvement in this area

Environmental awareness of students living near selected national parks in countries of Visegrád group

The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental awareness of young people and effectiveness of education used by national parks. The research occurred in the period from 2012 to 2014. The Veľká Fatra National Park (Slovakia), Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Czech Republic), Bieszczady National Park (Poland) and Bükki National Park (Hungary) as parks of countries of the Visegrád Group were analysed. The study was focused on the target group of students of gymnasiums and secondary schools in the regions where national parks are located and outside these regions. In all the analysed countries we used a questionnaire, which was distributed among 1301 students. For each respondent, answers were entered in a spreadsheet and statistically analysed. The following non-parametric statistical tests were used: Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, Wilcoxon and parametric ANOVA. The best results were noted among students from Poland and the Czech Republic. In other countries of the Visegrád Group therefore it is appropriate to introduce actions aiming at increasing the ecological awareness of students, according to the models of education functioning in national parks and schools in Poland and the Czech Republic. It is also necessary to revise the ways in which national environmental education exists in all studied countries, as well as to strengthen volunteer activities

Mountain research in protected areas in the Carpathians – a brief overview. eco.mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research)|eco.mont Vol. 10 No. 2|

The Carpathians, as European mountains with exceptional natural and cultural values, are facing many challenges connected with sustainable development. Research provides important information for decision makers, planners and managers on how to deal with these issues. Here, we analyse by a systematic quantitative literature review 520 contributions to Forum Carpaticum conferences. Most of the research was conducted in Romania and Poland by universities and research institutes. Particular attention was paid to the topics of conservation and biodiversity, forestry and ecology, and land use and land cover change. Field research and data analysis, including modelling using modern tools, are among the most frequent approaches or technologies used for research. Research patterns potentially reflect the demand for, and supply of information and analysis in particular geographical areas and on specific topics. There are also growing impacts of technology and social media in this field. Our results could be used for indications of key future research directions and to identify current gaps in research in the Carpathians

Contribution for Improvement of Visitor Monitoring in the Tatra National Park. eco.mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research)|eco.mont Vol. 1 No. 2|

The aim of this paper is to contribute to improving visitor monitoring in the Tatra National Park, based on the results obtained from the pilot use of a counting device. A direct data collection method was applied in order to monitor the number of visits. In the study period from May 31, 2008, to November 20, 2008, a counting device with pyroelectric detector (Eco Twin) registered the exact number of tourists entering the specified sector of the hiking trail that leads from the crossing near abí brook to Rysy peak. During the total observation period, the system registered 96 366 traverses. As a result, an average daily volume of visits and a total volume of visits for the selected trail segment were identified. Temporal changes in the intensity of recreational use on a weekly and daily basis were observed for the period from June to October 2008 as well as the acceptance by visitors of seasonal trail closure. The current number of visitors was related to the specified carrying capacity of the trail and the impact of weather on the number of visitors was also taken into account. For the next period, we suggested further lines of investigation. Extension and improvement of research in this area is urgently needed because the amount and dynamics of visits to the Tatra mountains has changed in recent years. This might have an impact on the environment of the national park and biosphere reserve. The management will have to take this fact into account

Visitor profiling using characteristics of socio-demographic and spatial behavior as tools to support the management of protected mountain areas

Protected mountain areas are attractive tourist destinations, and the number of visitors to these areas is increasing. The extension of cable car operations into the summer season is a challenge for some protected areas. Our study focuses on visitor profiles and is based on the characteristics of socio-demographic and spatial behavior of cable car users of the Chopok area (Slovakia).The methods used involve recording visitors’ itineraries through the use of GPS loggers and conducting post-trip interviews with the study participants. In order to better understand visitors’ spatial behavior, the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and trip itinerary parameters was analyzed. Additionally, three distinct visitor profiles based on cluster analysis were found in the investigated sample. The results can be used to enrich our knowledge concerning the spatial behavior of tourists in mountain environments, and more directly, for the management of cable car destinations located within protected areas.46147

On the valuation of ecosystem services in Muránska Planina National Park (Slovakia). eco.mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research)|eco.mont Vol. 7 No. 2 7 2|

The quantification and economic valuation of ecosystem services is vital to ascertain the social and economic benefits of establishing and managing protected areas. In Central Europe a wide range of studies has emphasized the significant contribution of protected areas to the conservation of biodiversity. This paper provides further evidence on the significance of (non-market) ecosystem services in Muránska Planina National Park (NP), Slovakia, which can be valued at about EUR 10 million per year. However, the ecosystem services of the park provided in terms of forestry, agriculture and tourism are smaller than in other Slovak NPs. In particular, recreation benefits are smaller because of a lower number of tourists (30 000 per year) and a lower average length of stay (2.29 days). The study nevertheless underlines the important ecosystem services that Muránska Planina NP provides for the regional and national economy, and how it contributes significantly to human well-being

Protected areas in the Slovak Carpathians as a contested resource between metropolitan and mountain stakeholders: On the road to local participation

In Eastern Europe’s westernmost mountain region, the Carpathians, the Slovak State Nature Conservancy is preserving a unique biodiversity in line with directives of the European Union. This is being done in large protected areas (LPAs). In this paper, we discuss current challenges of LPA management with a particular focus on contradictions between local people’s views and nationally to internationally determined sectoral planning strategies. We take stock of the benefits LPAs offer local populations, analyse the reasons for conflict between conservation interests from outside the region and local people’s vital needs, and explore ways of uncovering, tackling, and solving land use conflicts at the interface of national or international conservation interests and sustainable local development. Slovak and Swiss universities (Banská Bystrica, Žilina, and Bern) and nature conservation partners adapted, tested, and analysed a transdisciplinary research approach to mitigate land use conflicts in and around LPAs. . A joint Slovak–Swiss financing mechanism enabled Slovak project partners to implement small innovative projects proposed by local stakeholders – so-called Seed Money Actions (SMAs). First results show that this might be a fruitful new form of cooperation between protected area managers and local populations, as it may ultimately lead to a higher acceptance of nature conservation among locals while offering Slovak mountain farmers more tangible benefits from nearby protected areas