Abstract
ABSTRACT Protected natural areas are important for nature conservation. Nevertheless, some critiques point out that establishing and managing these areas may inhibit socioeconomic development and generate poverty. However, this strategy has presented varying results since some studies show positive effects on human development. The use of development indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product, the Human Development Index, the Gini Index, and the World Happiness Index can favor the understanding of how PNA management and goals may influence human development. This study aimed to correlate the existence of protected natural areas registered in the World Database on Protected Areas with the variables Gross Domestic Product, Human Development Index, Gini Index, and World Happiness Index of each country involved in the research. The correlations were tested for 145 countries through a non-parametric Spearman test. The correlation between the Gross Domestic Product and protected natural area percentage was positive yet nonsignificant. The correlation between the Human Development Index and protected natural area percentage was positive and significant. As for the correlation between the Gini Index and protected natural area percentage, it was negative although non-significant. Regarding the correlation between the World Happiness Index and protected natural area percentage, it was also negative but non-significant These results are possibly due to situational differences among the countries assessed. It is suggested that future studies such as this one be carried out by economically similar countries or regions to better elucidate the links between protected natural areas and socioeconomic development.
Highlights
A protected natural area (PNA) is a geographical space with clearly defined boundaries that is acknowledged, managed, and dedicated, through legal means or other effective means, to reach longterm goals of nature conservation while ensuring the maintenance of ecosystem services and associated cultural values (Dudley, 2008)
This study aimed to correlate the existence of protected natural areas registered in the World Database on Protected Areas with the variables Gross Domestic Product, Human Development Index, Gini Index, and World Happiness Index of each country involved in the research
It is suggested that future studies such as this one be carried out by economically similar countries or regions to better elucidate the links between protected natural areas and socioeconomic development
Summary
A protected natural area (PNA) is a geographical space with clearly defined boundaries that is acknowledged, managed, and dedicated, through legal means or other effective means, to reach longterm goals of nature conservation while ensuring the maintenance of ecosystem services and associated cultural values (Dudley, 2008). PNA creation and implementation are important in situ nature conservation strategies, responsible for the maintenance of biodiversity and natural resources (Adams et al, 2004) Despite their importance, some critics argue that PNA establishment and management can inhibit local or regional development and, besides failing to meet conservation goals, drive local populations into poverty, because environmental restrictions can preclude the maintenance of traditional practices needed for the subsistence of the peoples that used to occupy the protected land or its surroundings (Diegues, 2001; Colchester, 2010). PNAs generate income by supporting and promoting sustainable tourism programs, cooperatives of eco-friendly products, and encouraging educational activities and scientific research (Araújo, 2007). On average, they contribute to reducing poverty as much as they contribute to reducing deforestation rates (Leverington et al, 2010; Ferraro et al, 2011)
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