Impact of protected area management on local communities: A perspective of recreational ecosystem services

Abstract

The environmental effects of protected area (PA) management have been widely examined; however, the socioeconomic impact of PAs on local communities is not understood well. This study used the Three-River-Source National Park as a case study area to examine how changes in recreational ecosystem services (RES) affect local communities due to PA management by applying a mixed method, including comprehensive indices, spatial statistics, and the Q method. The results indicate that certain local communities have lost advantages in RES utilization owing to changes in RES delivery caused by facilities and spatial restriction policies. Some of these communities are at a high risk of becoming impoverished again. Communities that have experienced the disappearance or decline of advantages in RES utilization present pessimistic attitudes toward ecotourism development, government support, and sustainable livelihood. This study provides theoretical contributions and practical implications for PAs managers.