Abstract
Protected areas (PA), especially biosphere reserves (BR), are considered effective instruments for nature conservation and rural development. However, their impact on rural communities constitutes the most controversial debate in conservation policy and practice. This study aims to reveal the perceptions of local communities towards conservation, the extent of the inclusion of local communities in the establishment and management of a BR and the impact of BRs on local livelihoods by exploring a case study while reflecting on major debates in the conservation and rural development paradigms. Mixed research methods focusing on qualitative methodology are used. By exploring a BR in Lebanon, this research highlights how the allocation and management of the BRs have not always reflected participatory, sustainable and community-based approaches. This study stresses the importance of the locals’ engagement in the whole conservation process. By putting people, their needs and perceptions at the center of decision-making, conservation agencies would shift the main objective of BRs from conservation to poverty reduction.
Highlights
IntroductionProtected areas (PA) play a significant role in the conservation of the world’s habitats and the protection of biodiversity that have become highly threatened by devastating anthropocentric practices
Engaging the local communities in discussions relevant to nature conservation and local livelihoods was missing in Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR)
I am sure we lack a lot of information and awareness about this reserve. Discussing such matters would help us better understand the importance of conservation practices and maybe help us see the impact of the reserve from a different perspective.”
Summary
Protected areas (PA) play a significant role in the conservation of the world’s habitats and the protection of biodiversity that have become highly threatened by devastating anthropocentric practices. There is no single approach to conservation; instead, the more than 100,000 PAs that exist worldwide reflect a great variety of management objectives. They vary from firmly controlled reserves where only scientists are allowed to enter to cultural landscapes where biodiversity conservation is integrated with socioeconomic and cultural activities [2,3]
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