A Critical Review of Buffer Zone Theory and Practice: A Philippine Case Study

Abstract

As populations increase and forest areas decline, protected areas are being defined in an attempt to preserve remnants of original flora and fauna. This is problematic where local populations exist within or close to protected area boundaries. These people are often compelled to exploit protected area resources to survive. Theoretically, socioeconomic activities and projects directed at buffer areas can decrease pressure on protected areas and provide opportunities for local populations to become active in their management. This research studied a group of rice farmers and laborers in a remote village in the Philippines to ascertain whether potential increases in farmer income affect pressure for production within the national park. From in-depth interviews, field visits, and wealth and status ranking, our case study substantiates some of the claims made by other authors, but goes further to more comprehensively implicate land tenure as a central issue in this particular situation.