Legal forms of nature protection in local spatial planning: selected problems on the example of communes in Poland

Motivation: Proper spatial planning is very important in the context of taking into account the needs related to environmental protection in local development. The local self-governments should play an important part in this case because they are responsible for preparation of spatial development plans determining the scale and directions of developed forms of activities and, consequently, having significant influence on the effective protection of valuable natural ecosystems. Aim: The purpose of the article is to characterize the activity of local governments in the field of spatial planning in terms of considering restrictions on areas and facilities covered by legal forms of nature protection. The analysis encompassed 49 communes in the territory of Lubelskie Voivodship situated in south-eastern part of Poland and the results constituting the basis for conclusions were obtained by means of diagnostic poll method and by means of analysis of selected statistical data. The questionnaire questions were addressed to the mayors of communes. Results: Some part of legally protected areas is situated out of the range of impact of local plans of spatial development constituting the acts of local law. Some studies of land use conditions and directions used by communes as the basis for preparation of local plans were prepared a long time ago for conditions determined in already invalid regulations. Additionally, in many entities under studies, the natural stocktaking, the results of which should be considered in such studies, was carried out many years ago or never. In communes with Natura 2000 sites, this new protection form did not contribute generally to increased engagement of officials in the scope of local development plans modification. The above results may lead to the conclusion that spatial planning at the local level is associated with some threats to the protection of local natural resources in the future.