The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-economic development of municipalities with different nature protection regimes in the Czech Republic

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected human societies worldwide. This study focused on the socio-economic development of the western border region of the Czech Republic, specifically comparing municipalities within protected areas (Šumava National Park, established in 1991, and Bohemian Forest Protected Landscape Area, established in 2005) and those outside protected areas. A total of 39 municipalities of similar size and history were included, and 17 socio-economic indicators covering demography, landscape use, and municipality income were studied. Data recorded in 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021 were used to describe the development of the study regions over the last 30 years, compare the situation shortly after the establishment of protected areas with the last decade, and identify changes in the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019–2021. ANOVA was performed to determine the association between the size and location of a municipality (outside or inside a protected area) and the socio-economic indicators. The results showed significant changes in demography, landscape use, and the economy during the studied period of 1991–2021. A few insignificant but noticeable trends were detected in population aging and the number of educated residents with a university degree. The most significant changes over time were found in municipalities located in the national park. However, contrary to expectations, there were no substantial population movements to the municipalities in protected areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demographic and economic changes followed a very similar trend during the studied years and were more dependent on municipality size than on other factors. This result is likely influenced by globally limited business and tourist activities in 2019–2021.