Abstract
It is widely recognised that conservation policies in protected areas must also favour the development and viability of human populations. Although much research has focused on economic consequences, understanding the real impact of conservation on local populations requires a more holistic standpoint. Using quasi-experimental matching methods and a diachronic perspective, the biodemographic and socio-economic effects of Colombia’s National Natural Parks (NNPs) were evaluated (all in a context of internal conflict and post-conflict). The analyses were made for the set of NNPs and then grouped into four natural regions (Andes, Caribbean, Amazon-Orinoquía and Pacific) and two conflict intensities. Differences were found mainly for NNPs with low-intensity conflict, but only for biodemographic variables, not for socio-economic ones. Starting from a situation of disadvantage, a relative improvement in the conditions of the NNP municipalities was observed throughout the 13-year period in relation to the control group. Results should be taken with caution due to the conflict situation, but the lack of correlation between biodemographic and socio-economic aspects highlights the need to include more complex approaches in protected area management policies.
Highlights
Protected areas are an essential mechanism for conserving the biological and cultural diversity of a territory [1]
In the Andes (Table 3 and Figure 3), there were significant differences for the same variables foetal mortality (FOM) (NNP = 19.484, Control = 15.712) and neonatal mortality (NEM) (NNP = 11.530, Control = 9.516), but there were differences in two biodemographic variables related to population structure, ageing ratio (AGR) and mean mortality age (MMA)
In this study for Colombia, an effect associated with the presence of National Natural Parks (NNPs) was verified on the biodemography of human populations
Summary
Protected areas are an essential mechanism for conserving the biological and cultural diversity of a territory [1]. Policies that fail to take into account the various relationships between conservation needs and the demands of poverty reduction are more likely to fail [7]. The issue has been the subject of considerable controversy, with much debate over the role that protected areas play in the livelihoods and development of communities within their area of influence [8,9,10,11]. Some authors argue that the establishment of protected areas can alter socio-economic dynamics, increasing poverty conditions and conflict over the use of territory [3,12,13]
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