Conservation Benefits Research Articles

Optimizing automated photo identification for population assessments.

Several legal acts mandate that management agencies regularly assess biological populations. For species with distinct markings, these assessments can be conducted noninvasively via capture-recapture and photographic identification (photo-ID), which involves processing considerable quantities of photographic data. To ease this burden, agencies increasingly rely on automated identification (ID) algorithms. Identification algorithms present agencies with an opportunity-reducing the cost of population assessments-and a challenge-propagating misidentifications into abundance estimates at a large scale. We explored several strategies for generating capture histories with an ID algorithm, evaluating trade-offs between labor costs and estimation error in a hypothetical population assessment. To that end, we conducted a simulation study informed by 39 photo-ID datasets representing 24 cetacean species. We fed the results into a custom optimization tool to discern the optimal strategy for each dataset. Our strategies included choosing between truly and partially automated photo-ID and, in the case of the latter, choosing the number of suggested matches to inspect. True automation was optimal for datasets for which the algorithm identified individuals well. As identification performance declined, the optimization recommended that users inspect more suggested matches from the ID algorithm, particularly for small datasets. False negatives (i.e., individual was resighted but erroneously marked as a first capture) strongly predicted estimation error. A 2% increase in the false negative rate translated to a 5% increase in the relative bias in abundance estimates. Our framework can be used to estimate expected error of the abundance estimate, project labor effort, and find the optimal strategy for a dataset and algorithm. We recommend estimating a strategy's false negative rate before implementing the strategy in a population assessment. Our framework provides organizations with insights into the conservation benefits and consequences of automation as conservation enters a new era of artificial intelligence for population assessments.

Conservation benefits of a large marine protected area network that spans multiple ecosystems.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely implemented tools for long-term ocean conservation and resource management. Assessments of MPA performance have largely focused on specific ecosystems individually and have rarely evaluated performance across multiple ecosystems either in an individual MPA or across an MPA network. We evaluated the conservation performance of 59 MPAs in California's large MPA network, which encompasses 4 primary ecosystems (surf zone, kelp forest, shallow reef, deep reef) and 4 bioregions, and identified MPA attributes that best explain performance. Using a meta-analytic framework, we evaluated the ability of MPAs to conserve fish biomass, richness, and diversity. At the scale of the network and for 3 of 4 regions, the biomass of species targeted by fishing was positively associated with the level of regulatory protection and was greater inside no-take MPAs, whereas species not targeted by fishing had similar biomass in MPAs and areas open to fishing. In contrast, species richness and diversity were not as strongly enhanced by MPA protection. The key features of conservation effectiveness included MPA age, preimplementation fisheries pressure, and habitat diversity. Important drivers of MPA effectiveness for single MPAs were consistent across MPAs in the network, spanning regions and ecosystems. With international targets aimed at protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, MPA design and assessment frameworks should consider conservation performance at multiple ecologically relevant scales, from individual MPAs to MPA networks.

A Systematic Review Of Blue Carbon Potential in Coastal Marshlands: Opportunities For Climate Change Mitigation And Ecosystem Resilience

This systematic review evaluates the blue carbon potential of coastal marshlands, emphasizing their role in climate change mitigation, ecosystem service provision, and economic value within climate finance mechanisms. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of 198 peer-reviewed articles, this study synthesizes findings on the carbon sequestration dynamics of coastal marshlands, their contributions to biodiversity support, and their capacity to enhance coastal resilience through flood protection and water quality improvement. The review highlights the threats posed by land-use changes, urbanization, and climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion, which collectively undermine the ecological integrity and service delivery of these critical ecosystems. It further explores the integration of coastal marshlands into climate finance mechanisms, demonstrating their viability as natural assets within carbon markets and payment for ecosystem services schemes, with restoration projects yielding returns of $7 to $15 for every dollar invested. Despite these advancements, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly in the standardization of methodologies for quantifying carbon dynamics and the socio-economic benefits of conservation, which limit the scalability of these efforts. By addressing these challenges, this study underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches, robust policy frameworks, and sustained research to maximize the potential of coastal marshlands as a cornerstone of nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and sustainable development.

Avian communities show distinct responses to forest-to-bog restoration.

Since the 1990's, attempted restoration of blanket bogs which have been previously afforested with non-native conifers has taken place in Ireland and Britain, with the aim of reinstating hydrological functioning and hence, peatland biodiversity. Here, we assess the conservation benefit of these restoration measures at sites in the west of Ireland, 16-20 years post works, by comparing avian communities between trios of restored (n=6), near-natural (n=6), and afforested (n=6) lowland blanket bogs. We assessed avian community response in terms of differences in the richness and density of all bird species and of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI), as well as community composition. We also investigated which structural habitat variables were responsible for variation in community composition among site types. Restoration resulted in no changes in overall species richness and lower overall bird density but importantly, increased BoCCI richness in comparison to afforested sites. In particular, restoration benefited red-listed species, with richness and density of these species being similar to that of near-natural sites. Avian communities of restored sites were variable but more similar overall to those of near-natural than afforested sites, indicating partial restoration success. Changes in conifer cover, dwarf shrub height, deadwood cover, and broadleaf cover explained the majority of variation occurring across site types. These results indicate that the response of avian communities following forest-to-bog restoration is a prolonged process influenced by the evolving habitat structure, which, in turn, is contingent on the effectiveness of hydrological restoration measures, local conditions and ongoing management.

Assessing indirect biodiversity conservation benefits of fisheries closures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada.

Marine biodiversity loss is a pressing global issue, intensified by human activities and climate change. Complementary to marine protected areas (MPAs), Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) have emerged as a key tool to mitigate this loss by providing long-term biodiversity protection. However, while OECMs primarily target specific taxa, they can also offer indirect biodiversity conservation benefits (BCBs) to a wider range of taxa. In this study, we assess the indirect BCBs of eleven OECMs in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, focusing on their role in supporting the life-history processes of commercially important species such as Atlantic halibut, Greenland halibut, and redfish. We apply an integrated assessment that combines knowledge and data previously unconnected to provide information to support OECM management. Our analysis reveals that eight of the eleven OECMs overlap with potential spawning habitats for these species, suggesting important life-history benefits. However, projected climate-driven changes in bottom temperature, oxygen concentration, and pH levels pose a threat to these habitats, potentially undermining the long-term effectiveness of OECMs. These findings underscore the need for adaptive management strategies that incorporate climate-informed ecosystem indicators and broaden the conservation focus beyond economically important species. Such approaches are crucial to ensuring that OECMs continue to provide both direct and indirect BCBs in the face of accelerating climate change, thereby contributing to global marine biodiversity conservation efforts.

Pedro Vásquez Ruesta, un forestal comprometido con el manejo de la fauna silvestre en el Perú

Pedro Vásquez Ruesta (1954-2023) was an outstanding Peruvian forestry engineer and professor at the Faculty of Forestry Sciences of the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM), who dedicated his life to university teaching and scientific research between 1978 and 2023. Pedro Vásquez published many books and scientific articles on wildlife management and natural protected areas in Peru, especially on the white-tailed deer and its management through sport hunting in the El Angolo Hunting Reserve (Piura), the behavior of caimans and the feeding ecology of sea lions on southern Peru, and the sustainable management of several natural protected areas. He received awards and recognition for his outstanding work for the benefit of nature conservation, even a species of frog was named after him (Osteocephalus vasquezi). But above all, he received the affection and admiration of his family, friends and students. The purpose of this article is to pay tribute to Pedro Vasquez, remembering his life and academic legacy.

Opportunities and Challenges of Ecotourism in Dhanushadham Protected Forest of Madhesh Province, Nepal

This study assesses the opportunities and challenges for ecotourism in Dhanushadham Protected Forest of Nepal using a mixed-methods approach involving direct observations, household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Local perceptions of ecotourism are explored and the key factors influencing its development are identified. The findings reveal the Dhanushadham's significant ecotourism potential due to its rich biodiversity, cultural and religious sites and opportunities for activities like jungle walks, birdwatching and camping. Establishment of mini zoo, Maithili museum, homestays and cultural programs can add more opportunities for the development of ecotourism in the area. While local communities largely support ecotourism and recognize its conservation benefits, key challenges include political instability, inadequate tourism infrastructure, limited promotion, and the absence of a visitor information center. The study concludes that realizing Dhanushadham's ecotourism potential necessitates addressing these challenges through targeted interventions such as awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, and improved governance along with strategies to increase the length of stay for visitors. This study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on ecotourism in protected forests, particularly within the Madhesh Province of Nepal, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to develop sustainable tourism strategies in similar contexts.

Use of Remote Sensing to Identify Fires in The State of Mato Grosso

Objective: The objective of this study was to use geoprocessing tools to identify burned areas and quantify the burned areas in the state of Mato Grosso during 2022, aiming at preventing and combating wildfires within the municipal territory. Theoretical Framework: Episodes of wildfire outbreaks in vegetation areas are related to permanent factors such as topography, fuel material, and forest type, as well as variable factors like weather conditions, humidity, and temperature. Wildfire outbreaks are recurrent in the state of Mato Grosso, which contains three types of biomes (Amazon, Pantanal, and Cerrado), leading to the degradation of water, soil, and air quality, and impacting the biodiversity of the local fauna. Method: The detection of fire hotspots is carried out through the analysis of satellite images, such as Landsat 8 and 9, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), calculated using bands 4 (red) and 5 (near infrared). Results and Discussion: The maps show that, during the wet season, the highest densities of fire outbreaks occur in the central region, primarily in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. During the dry season, the highest fire hotspots are predominantly found in the northern region, within the Amazon biome. Research Implications: The research highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of fires in native vegetation areas, emphasizing the economic damages and environmental impacts resulting from these events. The use of geotechnologies proved essential for the spatial and temporal analysis of heat hotspots, allowing for a more detailed understanding of burning patterns in the state of Mato Grosso. Originality/Value: This study can contribute to the improvement of wildfire monitoring, mitigation, and prevention strategies, providing direct benefits for biodiversity conservation and the sustainability of affected areas.

The Intrinsic Experience of Tourism Autobiographical Memory on Environmentally Responsible Behavior: A Self-Expansion Perspective

The existing literature on environmentally responsible behavior in tourists focuses primarily on the factors that influence this behavior, such as tourists’ attitudes and negative feelings. However, the intrinsic benefits of conservation for individual and societal well-being are often overlooked. Under the theoretical lens of self-expansion theory, this study examined the influence of Chinese tourists’ tourism autobiographical memory on their environmentally responsible behavior using a questionnaire survey (N = 434) with partial least squares structural equation modeling. The result attested that tourists’ self-expansion and psychological richness serially mediate the association between their tourism autobiographical memory and environmentally responsible behavior as a tourist. In addition, the implicit theories of personality moderate the prediction of tourist autobiographical memory on self-expansion. The results provide an additional explanation for environmentally responsible behavior in tourists, with practical implications for marketers and operators in the industry.

Evidence of spillover benefits from large-scale marine protected areas to purse seine fisheries.

Global tuna fisheries are valued at more than $40 billion, with the majority of this value derived from purse seine fisheries. Recently created large-scale marine protected areas are potentially big enough to protect highly migratory species such as tuna, possibly leading to increases in abundance (a conservation benefit) and consequent spillover near protected area boundaries (an economic benefit). Using publicly available data from nine large-scale marine protected areas across the Pacific and Indian oceans, we find that catch-per-unit-effort in tuna purse seine fisheries has increased by an average of 12 to 18% near protected area boundaries, and this increase declines with distance from the boundaries. The increase is larger for bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) than for skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), in line with fisheries science simulation models.

Mapping cultural diversity conservation networks to enhance cultural sustainability in rural Southwest China

Cultural diversity conservation is crucial for global sustainability, especially in rural areas facing challenges such as shrinking settlements and integration into nature reserves. However, existing research lacks discussion on how to establish cultural diversity conservation areas while considering the trade-offs with nature reserves. To address this gap, we employ the SCP method to develop a planning framework that balances ecosystem service benefits for nature conservation with the effectiveness of cultural diversity conservation, applied in rural Southwest China. Our findings indicate that overly ambitious or conservative conservation goals hinder cultural diversity conservation, whereas a value-based scenario enhances conservation effectiveness and reduces conflicts with rural natural ecosystems. We propose rural cultural diversity conservation networks comprising 9 cultural diversity areas, 33 core conservation areas, and 233 subcatchments. Compared with existing systems, our new conservation networks improve effectiveness by 29.62% and reduce the impact on the ecosystem service benefits of ecological conservation by 23.65%. These findings provide guidance for global cultural diversity conservation planning and sustainable development across various regions and scales.

International National Park For The Development Of International Ecoturism In The Zarafshan Valley Apply Models

With the increasing global interest in ecotourism, projected to grow at an average annual rate of 16.13% from 2023 to 2028, Uzbekistan aims to position the Zarafshan Valley as a significant ecotourism destination. The government’s commitment is reflected in initiatives like the Presidential Decree No. PF-9, which sets ambitious targets for international tourism. The study focuses on adopting and adapting global ecotourism models to develop an International National Park in the Zarafshan Valley, aligning it with the region’s ecological and cultural characteristics. A multi-dimensional approach was employed to design the park, encompassing biodiversity studies, socio-cultural assessments, and economic feasibility analyses. The research involved identifying conservation priorities, tourist potential, and funding sources. The planning process adhered to international guidelines, leveraging frameworks from UNESCO and IUCN. Strategic land-use zoning, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development were pivotal, with inspirations drawn from successful models in the United States, Europe, and emerging ecotourism destinations. The study identifies the American, European, and park-reserve models as adaptable frameworks for the Zarafshan Valley. Key features, such as collaborative management, community participation, and eco-friendly infrastructure, were highlighted. Challenges such as insufficient infrastructure and limited local entrepreneurship were noted, with strategies proposed to address these gaps. The research underscores the potential for sustainable tourism to foster biodiversity conservation and socio-economic benefits. The establishment of an International National Park in the Zarafshan Valley presents a transformative opportunity for Uzbekistan’s ecotourism. By integrating global best practices and ensuring local community involvement, the initiative can enhance regional economic development, environmental conservation, and international recognition. Future research should focus on monitoring the park’s environmental and socio-economic impact, refining management practices, and scaling sustainable ecotourism models.

Tree populations show low regeneration of valued species in West Africa

Tree populations have declined substantially in West Africa in recent decades, raising concerns since trees provide numerous ecosystem goods and services. Regional information on the population status of tree species could guide more effective conservation and regeneration of natural vegetation. Here, we report results of the first regional analysis of tree population structure across the Sahel and Sudan zones, a meta-study of vegetation inventories, including 23,586 individual trees sampled across nine countries. We evaluated current status and forecast future trends of 16 species and one genus of trees of ecological and socio-economic importance. Size class distribution (SCD) reflects the population structure of an individual species and can provide early warning of composition change and population decline. SCD is analysed widely at a local scale, but analysis at a regional scale is needed to detect widespread population changes. Many native species lacked trees in the smaller size classes, implying unsustainable populations and future decline. Some species show sound regeneration at the regional scale, but high variation among sites. Eight species, including Adansonia digitata and Afzelia africana, show regional declines in regeneration and risks of future extirpations. Four of these severely lack regeneration. Protected areas show higher tree regeneration, but protected status did not assure good regeneration. Our results identify priority tree species across West Africa, indicate a more urgent need for conservation and regeneration of native tree species, and highlight the benefit of effective conservation. More widespread protection could increase tree populations, conserving biodiversity, and ecosystem services essential for people's livelihoods.

Putting ducks in a row: Village resettlement prioritization from inside tiger reserves and its implication in achieving global conservation goals for India

Following the local extermination of tigers from India’s two premier reserves, village relocation as a policy to create more inviolate space for tiger breeding was conceived by the Indian Government a decade ago. However, given the significant number of human settlements inside tiger reserves, it is neither feasible nor realistic to consider all villages for relocation. There is an urgent need to prioritise villages for relocation to maximise conservation benefits. Here, we developed a framework for prioritizing village relocation by setting national, landscape and site-specific goals. We have identified ten source sites in Central India and Western Ghats tiger landscapes for immediate attention for conservation-related resettlements. Our study shows that village resettlement prioritization provides an optimum level of conservation success at a much-reduced budget. The scenario will help increase tiger numbers and reduce conflict by increasing inviolate space at site, landscape, and national levels. This approach will help India achieve global conservation targets for tigers with minimum conflict.

Assessing South Africa’s marine protected area quality and progress towards conservation goals: An application of The MPA Guide framework

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a widely used area-based conservation tool for preventing or reversing the loss of marine biodiversity and sustaining the social-ecological systems that it underpins. Global targets for ocean protection typically track the extent of ocean area within MPAs. However, understanding the effectiveness of protection is crucial, as the level of protection and associated benefits for biodiversity and human wellbeing can vary among different types of MPAs. In South Africa, 41 MPAs currently protect 5.4 % of the country’s mainland exclusive economic zone (EEZ), each with varied conservation goals and unique zonation. We evaluated all 41 MPAs using the MPA Guide assessment framework to clarify levels of protection, expected conservation outcomes, and meaningful progress towards meeting national protection targets. We also compared types of site-specific management goals to the assessed level of protection for each MPA to understand whether MPAs are likely to achieve their stated goals. We found that all MPAs are at least Implemented, with most coverage Fully or Highly Protected (70.1 % of total MPA area; 3.8 % of EEZ). We also found that 40 MPAs have levels of protection that are likely to support all types of site-specific management goals. Our results indicate that South Africa’s MPA network has strong potential to deliver positive conservation benefits if MPA funding and capacity constraints, as well as other socio-economic factors, are addressed. Future protection initiatives should consider these factors prior to anticipated MPA expansion.

Satellite telemetry reveals complex mixed movement strategies in ibis and spoonbills of Australia: implications for water and wetland management.

Waterbird population and species diversity maintenance are important outcomes of wetland conservation management, but knowledge gaps regarding waterbird movements affect our ability to understand and predict waterbird responses to management at appropriate scales. Movement tracking using satellite telemetry is now allowing us to fill these knowledge gaps for highly mobile waterbirds at continental scales, including in remote areas for which data have been historically difficult to acquire. We used GPS satellite telemetry to track the movements of 122 individuals of three species of ibis and spoonbills (Threskiornithidae) in Australia from 2016 to 2023. We analysed movement distances, residency periods and areas, and foraging-site fidelity. From this we derived implications for water and wetland management for waterbird conservation. This is the first multi-year movement tracking data for ibis and spoonbills in Australia, with some individuals tracked continuously for more than five years including from natal site to first breeding attempt. Tracking revealed both inter- and intra-specific variability in movement strategies, including residency, nomadism, and migration, with individuals switching between these behaviours. During periods of residency, areas used and distances travelled to forage were highly variable and differed significantly between species. Sixty-five percent of identified residency areas were not associated with wetlands formally listed nationally or internationally as important. Tracking the movements of waterbirds provides context for coordinated allocation of management resources, such as provision of environmental water at appropriate places and times for maximum conservation benefit. This study highlights the geographic scales over which these birds function and shows how variable waterbird movements are. This illustrates the need to consider the full life cycle of these birds when making management decisions and evaluating management impacts. Increased knowledge of the spatio-temporal interactions of waterbirds with their resource needs over complete life cycles will continue to be essential for informing management aimed at increasing waterbird numbers and maintaining long-term diversity.

Exploring implications of elephant movements between land use types in an arid savannah landscape

While the numbers and distribution of African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) have declined in most African range States, they have been steadily increasing in much of southern Africa. In Namibia’s arid north-west, elephants are expanding beyond Protected areas (PA) into multiple types of land use, leading to socio-economic implications, both positive and negative. Our study aimed to quantify cross-land use movements and fence breaches and explore the institutional, legislative and policy implications of fencing, and a new conservation paradigm for the area. We used satellite movements of eight collared elephant herds in multiple types of land use to the south and west of Etosha National Park for one year. Of these herds, seven had home ranges spanning multiple PA/communal/commercial landscapes, often crossing fences with management or disease significance. The implications of the movements between land uses are assessed in the context of relevant policy regarding management and economics. We conclude that despite challenges to livestock disease control and fencing damage, the expansion of elephant range has resulted in economic benefits to landowners and communal conservancies through tourism and possible consumptive use opportunities, as well as an improvement in general wildlife conservation practices in the area. Regardless of these benefits and the growing interest among rural residents in supporting the establishment of elephant corridors and the removal of fences, Namibia’s legal and policy framework creates numerous implications for landowners and managers when considering fence breaches by elephants. We conclude with recommendations for holistic situational analysis of policy, law and practice and the consideration of amendments to outdated fencing requirements, thereby unlocking the economic and conservation benefits of elephant range expansion in the area.

Comparison of Orchid Conservation Between China and Other Countries

Global attention is highly focused on biodiversity conservation. Various countries are actively implementing relevant conservation measures. To advance these efforts in China, it is essential to understand global conservation actions. The orchid family, one of the most diverse groups of flowering plants, has become a “flagship” group for plant conservation. In this study, we summarized 3418 policies and regulations related to orchid conservation in 45 countries. We found that orchid conservation actions in various countries have focused on in situ conservation, with 1469 policies and regulations issued for nature reserves, while ex situ conservation has been seriously neglected, with only seven relevant regulations. Most developing countries have experienced an increase in orchid conservation actions, while developed countries have plateaued. We amassed 370 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for orchid conservation. At present, the total number of policies and regulations for orchid protection in China is approximately 84, with 67 issued since 2000. Two non-governmental organizations have been established for orchid conservation. Although the benefit of orchid conservation in China is significant, it still requires continuous improvement compared to many other countries. We recommend that the Chinese government draws on the experiences of the United States, Canada, and Australia in areas such as policy and regulation formulation, optimization of non-governmental organizations, and implementation of related conservation projects. Through learning and collaboration, challenges can be transformed into opportunities for development.

Importance and satisfaction of motivation and setting factors among elk and deer hunters

AbstractHunting has important social, cultural, economic, and conservation benefits. Information on hunters’ motivations and expectations for a hunting experience can help support decision‐making by state and federal wildlife managers. We surveyed deer (Odocoileus spp.) and elk (Cervus canadensis) hunters participating in controlled hunts in eastern Oregon to describe hunter characteristics and experiences, including the importance of hunting motivational factors and specific setting attributes (2017–2019; n = 501). We compared differences between hunters’ ratings of importance and satisfaction and identified factors of particular importance for hunters with different characteristics. Survey response rates were high, ranging from 97% in 2017 to 81% in 2019. We found that the intangible benefits of hunting were most important to hunters, with enjoyment and spending time with friends and family emerging as the top‐ranked hunting motivations by importance. Motivations differed by gender, age and hunting avidity. Women rated getting meat for themselves and family higher than did men ( = 4.67 vs. 4.26). Frequent hunters ranked many experiential elements of a hunt higher in importance than less frequent hunters (e.g., Seeing animals in the wild, = 4.52 vs. 4.19; Fun and enjoyment, = 4.50 vs. 4.21; Thrill of the chase, = 4.34 vs. 3.97). Older hunters considered learning experiences less important than younger hunters (New experience, developing new skills, = 2.72 vs. 3.52; Gaining knowledge about the outdoors, = 3.14 vs. 3.83). We also found that the attributes of the specific hunt setting were less important than the broad factors that motivate hunting participation. Our results provide context for hunting retention and reactivation efforts and can be used to identify opportunities to recruit new hunters whose diversity reflects that of background populations in the U.S.

Community-based ecotourism and the challenges of local participation: insights from an ecotourism venture in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam

Community-based ecotourism (CBE) promotes conservation, sustainable tourism, community cohesion, and equitable benefit distribution. Our case study investigates the quality of community involvement in implementing the CBE framework within Cat Tien National Park, a major conservation reserve in Vietnam. Using qualitative methods, such as key informant interviews and participant observation, the study assesses the level of community participation in this particular ecotourism venture. Despite its collaborative design, the project’s top-down implementation constrained local involvement and benefits. Challenges included power imbalances, capacity issues, and unfair distribution. These highlight the need for better stakeholder involvement, transparent governance, and genuine community engagement to improve CBE outcomes. To address these challenges, the paper recommends establishing community advisory boards, increasing support from government and private sectors, and integrating traditional knowledge into conservation. It emphasises the need for long-term commitment, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, effective capacity-building, and transparent feedback to enhance community engagement and manage expectations.