Văidianu, N., 2013. Fuzzy cognitive maps: diagnosis and scenarios for a better management process of visitors flows in Romanian Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) is located on the Romanian Black Sea coast and covers a vast area characterized by a low population density and well-preserved ecosystems with considerable potential for tourism. The need for an integrated management for DDBR is not new. Since the 90's, Danube Delta was declared as Biosphere Reserve and the universal value of the reserve was recognized by the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program of UNESCO. This study examines the perceptions of visitors in DDBR, with the aim of developing key concepts that will be used in future management and communication strategies regarding biodiversity conservation in the area. It is important to assess the implication level of several sectors to increase the efficiencies for sustainability and rehabilitation programs. A number of 20 visitors were interviewed during August 2012 in Sfântu Gheorghe village and qualitative data were obtained. The discussions revealed ideas and concepts trying to answer to the following questions: “Is Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve a tourist destination which fulfils your expectations?” “Which are the pros and cons of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve management?” We used a Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) approach and let stakeholders draw cause-effect networks. The identification of stakeholders' perceptions of the DDBR area allowed us to analyze the cognitive maps, which consist of variables, causal relationships among those variables and of strengths of the connections. Causal mapping contributes to the goal of using peoples' knowledge of ecosystems to improve understanding of socio-ecological systems. Lacks of coordination and effective policies between the governmental institutions and the different sectors of activities were also identified as common problems for both environmental and socio-economic aspects.