Group model for evaluating the importance of Ramsar sites in Vojvodina Province of Serbia

The objective of this study was to develop a holistic group decision-making model for evaluating the global importance of several protected nature reserves in Vojvodina Province of Serbia, recognised as Ramsar sites. The group model for evaluation, based on a multi-criteria method analytic hierarchy process, determines preferences among Ramsars in the province regarding perspectives of future planning and management, risk protection, and different aspects of their preservation and exploitation. Although the model is tested through group scenario analyses on a limited scale, this model is considered generally relevant to similar scenarios and problems related to the management of nature protected areas in other, not only developing, countries. Proof of concept and methods used guarantee obtaining reliable solutions. In the present study, all participating experts agreed that the results are correct and, being supported by scientific methodology, valuable from their perspective.