Participation Of Local People Research Articles

Bunker Museology

After the Cold War ended in 1991, many former nuclear bunkers were discarded by the British state and left as field monuments. This article examines the two-stage evolution of bunker museology in Scotland, wherein these archaeological remains have been converted into museums, initially by private collector-enthusiasts and latterly by community groups. My case study of the Gairloch Museum in the Wester Ross documents the reincarnation of a Cold War monument as a community museum, illustrating the positive potential of transforming unofficial into official heritage with the participation of local people. The Gairloch Museum is considered alongside two other local bunker restoration projects in Edinburgh and Dundee, advocating the need for public bodies to give greater priority to the preservation of Cold War heritage in Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole.

Assessing the Ecotourism Potential in Sarasalai-Kuruvikkadu and Adjacent Areas in the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Ecotourism is environmentally responsible, enlightening travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations. Sarasalai Kuruvikkadu and adjacent areas such as Anthanathidal and Kapputhu in the Jaffna District are rich with significant extents of mangroves that are notable for their waterbirds’ diversity. The diversity and abundance of birds and the ecotourism potential of those areas have not been evaluated probably due to the three decades long civil unrest. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the nature-based ecotourism potential of Sarasalai Kuruvikkadu and adjacent areas. Geographic Information System was used as tool for identify the potential status of entire Jaffna District. Suitability analysis was applied and Multi Criteria Decision Method (MCDM) and criteria ranking method were used. Three aspects such as Flamingo sites (13), other birds’ sites (40) and mangroves areas (66) in the district including study areas were considered for suitability analysis. The evaluating process for ecotourism sites were conducted based on criteria viz. species richness (of birds), tourist preferences, proximity to residential areas, proximity to accommodation, distance from roads, scenic beauty and density and distribution. Based on each three analysis, Potentials sites were derived based on priority ranking such high, moderate, and low potential. Through the overall analysis, the study areas, Sarasalai and Anthanathidal come under the high potential areas (> 75%) and Kapputhu represents lower potential (<45%) based on flamingo and other birds aspects but based on mangrove sites’ analysis, both areas represent high potential status and Kapputhu represents lower status. Our recent studies have shown that Sarasalai is home to at least 82 species of waterbirds (Margalef’s Index 6.74) and Anthanathidal represents 47 species (Margalef’s Index 9.23) and Kapputhu 22 species (Margalef’s Index 3.04). In addition to some of mammals, crocodiles and fishes were recorded in the study areas that have a high potential for promoting ecotourism. The areas had a high abundance of flamingos, which are a major Avi-tourist attraction. The study areas have large extents mangroves (896.6 ha) with four true mangrove species, Excoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera racemosa, Rhizophora mucronate and Aegiceras corniculatum which is a unique ecotone and attraction and sources for ecotourism. Hence these areas have a great nature-based tourism potential. There is also a great potential for the participation of local people for promotion of ecotourism in the Jaffna peninsula, elevating their poverty.
 
 Key words: Sarasalai, Kuruvikadu, Ecotourism potential, Mangroves, Flamingo

Local perceptions on poverty and conservation in a community-based natural resource program area: a case study of Beitbridge district, southern Zimbabwe

This study was conducted in a local community, namely, Ward 1 of Beitbridge district, southern Zimbabwe, with the following objectives: (i) to assess local perceptions on poverty in a Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) environment, (ii) to assess whether CAMPFIRE initiatives have enhanced livelihoods, and (iii) to analyze the involvement of local people in CAMPFIRE programs. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data between September and October 2022, with 80 randomly selected participants being interviewed (structured interviews), 110 randomly selected discussants participating in focus group discussions held in all the five villages of Ward 1, and 10 purposively sampled key informants responded to semi-structured interviews. Data were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The results showed that some villages had more benefits than others from the conservation programs and the contributions to poverty alleviation varied within the surveyed local communities. Most respondents in Ward 1 stated that they rely on subsistence farming as the major source of livelihood. Furthermore, most respondents highlighted that they were not participating in the natural resource management and allocation decision-making processes. However, based on this study, we conclude that respondents still view CAMPFIRE as one of the key solutions to poverty alleviation and that active local community participation in decision-making processes is lacking. The study recommend for active and full participation of local people in the decision-making processes, including previously marginalized groups, in the CAMPFIRE initiatives.

Spatial Strategies in Reducing Anthropogenic Urban Heat Island Impacts: The Case of Bolu City Center

ABSTRACT
 The growth and urbanization of cities in the world and in Turkey have resulted in changes in the micro-climate structure, and cities are heating up. The "urban heat island" (UHI) effect, which is one of the effects of climate change in urban areas, is emerging especially with the concentration of anthropogenic activities. UHI effect, in addition to meteorological factors such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind, morphological factors like building heights, building typology, geographic location, urban geometry, surface material selection, etc. is caused by anthropogenic effects. In this study, UHI effect which is caused by uncontrolled urban development in Bolu/ Turkey is identified and spatial strategies are developed. As a research method, the literature assessment was first taken and the factors affecting the UHI were investigated. Finally, the spatial strategies for reducing the UHI impact are given in the conceptual framework as a proposal for urban design and a roadmap that will guide the city's development trend in the coming years. In addition, this study guides the development of holistic, environmental-conscious strategies and the reduction of the UHI impact in the Bolu city center with green infrastructure proposals with academic, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local governments and the participation of local people.

Community-Based Ecotourism and Perceived Economic Impacts: A Study of Rural Settlements around Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Community-based ecotourism, as a subset of sustainable tourism, is advocated as a tool for community development in the mountain settlements. In this regard, this research adopted exploratory and descriptive approach to investigate the perceived economic impacts of community-based ecotourism in the local communities of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in Nepal. The settlements of Dhampus, Landruk and Ghandruk along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail (AST) are considered as a case to critically examine the economic impacts of community-based ecotourism development on local residents both residing along the major trail (MT) and off the trail (OT) in the ACA. Multiple methods of data collection such as questionnaire survey with households, key informants interview, participant observation, informal discussion with local entrepreneurs and residents, and archival research have been conducted. Research findings showed that community-based ecotourism has provided extensive economic benefits to local people, however in a varying degree. It has provided economic benefits to local communities and enhanced local economy, however not all residents receive benefits equitably. People living along the MT (i.e. mostly the tourism entrepreneurs) receive higher economic benefits than that of OT (i.e. mostly the farmers). The farmers, low-wage employees, and marginalized community receive lowest benefits but largely influenced by the inflation and tourism impacts. In addition, there seem economic leakages, weak integration of local products into tourism system and inflation. This study stresses on the inclusive participation of local people in the planning and decision making of tourism development as well as sharing of benefits while also reducing the economic leakages and strengthening its linkages.

Local People's Attitudes Towards Mangrove Conservation Effort in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Background: Human activity has accelerated the degradation of mangrove forests in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia. The Government has encouraged conservation efforts towards the woods to cope with this problem. Participation of local people is considered necessary nowadays to understand their attitudes related to such issues. Studies are limited in Indonesia's context, especially in East Kalimantan province's case concerned with a heterogeneous community regarding socioeconomic and limited access to conservation activities. Aim: This study aims to understand how local people could have different participation and willingness to participate (WTP) as the embodiment of their attitudes towards conservation activities and how their reasons are associated with the heterogenous characteristics by taking the location of Margomulyo Mangrove Conservation Area (MMCA) Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Method: This study uses a qualitative approach combining interviews, observation, and document collection methods. The data is analyzed inductively using coding stages from Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. Findings: This study reveals positive attitudes by different participation from local people that presented as a heterogenous community. Reasons for involvement vary and are associated mainly with occupation, experiences in mangrove conservation activities that gave them access to the projects, and good networks among local people. Meanwhile, an excellent social relationship contributes to the WTP of local people in the projects with different preference types of activities. This study's findings suggest equitable management for local people by the Government by considering adequate social capital that already exists in the community.

Local community participation and volunteerism in wildfire area management: A systematic review

Wildfires have caused considerable economic, ecological, and social damage in recent years. For this reason, decision-makers in wildfire management (WFM) have face increasingly difficult challenges. While decision support systems help decision-makers, it is clear that some deficiencies still persist. In this context, it is thought that the active role of local people involved in wildfire management can eliminate these deficiencies because they have experience and direct knowledge about fighting wildfires in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Hence, their expertise can be utilized in future wildfire containment efforts. In this study, the author presents some general information about WUI, public participation, and the decision-making process and its relation to wildfires. In addition, the author will also examine previous studies on the participation of local people in wildfire management and investigate the decision-making processes regarding this issue by using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique. The results of this study suggest that there should be a widespread adoption of the community-based integrated fire management (CBIFM) approach, instead of the top-down management approach commonly employed in wildfire management. The results strongly suggest that decision-makers should reach a consensus as to how the principle of participation in fire management should work by reviewing the socio-economic interests of the local community.

Research on the Construction of Ecological Museum and the Active Participation of Community Masses: A Case Study of Yim Tin Tsai Village in Hong Kong

The construction of ecological museums under the guidance of the new museum theory has been widely used in the protection and utilization of traditional villages, historical blocks, industrial heritage, etc., in China. The concept of new museum science has become a new practice and thinking in building eco-cultural towns and eco-cultural communities (Pan, 2018). The construction concept of the Ecological Museum of Yim Tin Tsai Village Village in Hong Kong is a theoretical attempt to study and solve the long-term development of Yim Tin Tsai Village. This article mainly demonstrates the community mass active participation mode that Yim Tin Tsai Village faces in the construction of the ecological museum. Through data analysis, examples and other methods, and by desktop deduction and research, we will carry out practical analysis to improve the active participation of community people in community management mode and plan to realize the role of community people in actively participating in the construction and management of ecological museums, realize the new idea of overall ecological conservation, and let local people's participation and community governance interact and work together. At the same time, most of the current domestic research on community creation is focused on mainland villages, and few researchers have focused on villages in Hong Kong. Yim Tin Tsai Village in Hong Kong as an excellent representative of new rural tourism development has formed a relatively mature model of community participation in the construction of the eco-museum, and the need for research has thus emerged.

Research on the Construction of Ecological Museum and the Active Participation of Community Masses: A Case Study of Yim Tin Tsai Village in Hong Kong

The construction of ecological museums under the guidance of the new museum theory has been widely used in the protection and utilization of traditional villages, historical blocks, industrial heritage, etc., in China. The concept of new museum science has become a new practice and thinking in building eco-cultural towns and eco-cultural communities (Pan, 2018). The construction concept of the Ecological Museum of Yim Tin Tsai Village Village in Hong Kong is a theoretical attempt to study and solve the long-term development of Yim Tin Tsai Village. This article mainly demonstrates the community mass active participation mode that Yim Tin Tsai Village faces in the construction of the ecological museum. Through data analysis, examples and other methods, and by desktop deduction and research, we will carry out practical analysis to improve the active participation of community people in community management mode and plan to realize the role of community people in actively participating in the construction and management of ecological museums, realize the new idea of overall ecological conservation, and let local people's participation and community governance interact and work together. At the same time, most of the current domestic research on community creation is focused on mainland villages, and few researchers have focused on villages in Hong Kong. Yim Tin Tsai Village in Hong Kong as an excellent representative of new rural tourism development has formed a relatively mature model of community participation in the construction of the eco-museum, and the need for research has thus emerged.

Implications of the breakdown in the indigenous knowledge system for rangeland management and policy: a case study from the Eastern Cape in South Africa

Communal rangelands in South Africa are generally perceived as overgrazed owing to complexities in their histories and collective utilisation which often leads to improper management. A suitable solution has not been found in land management policies because local people’s contexts and their indigenous knowledge are ignored. Hence, this paper is aimed at (i) assessing the role indigenous knowledge can play in communal rangeland management, (ii) exploring working solutions to incorporate indigenous knowledge into effective communal rangeland management and land use policies, (iii) assessing mechanisms for generational transfer of indigenous knowledge. Findings from the Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) and Focus Group Discussion, conducted with Cata and Guquka villages in the Eastern Cape province were synthesised. This revealed that communal farmers have in-depth knowledge of their communal land, past and present rangeland management strategies and changes in rangeland condition. However, there is breakdown in the indigenous knowledge system whereby this knowledge is not being transferred and translated into good rangeland management practice, owing to the ageing population of communal farmers, limited youth involvement in livestock farming and limited access to extension services. This suggests a need for new policy approaches that would include participation of local people in policy planning and development.

Development of Community Infrastructure Based on the Local Resource-Based Approach

Investing in the development and maintenance of local infrastructure is an important task for any community and state. In modern conditions, the search for resources for the development of the community’s infrastructure is of particular relevance, in which the available potential and resources play an important role. LRB approaches optimize the use of local resources, including labor and technology, as well as locally available materials, tools and equipment from local suppliers, throughout the project cycle from planning to implementation and infrastructure maintenance. A community’s infrastructure needs can be huge, and investment often falls short of those needs. To close the investment gap, governments at the national and local levels may decide to allocate more funds to community infrastructure development. Increasing the participation of local people in the planning phase also increases the distribution of public investment in the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure, opens up business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and creates jobs. The LRB approach creates more local employment opportunities, increases market prospects and stimulates the local economy. Additional resources to complement the work can be obtained through partnerships and support from local authorities. The ideas and approaches analyzed in the study show how innovative communities can be used in the development of the infrastructure of territories. They contribute to the creation of a sustainable, efficient and innovative infrastructure that meets the needs of the community. The use of innovative communities in the development of the infrastructure of territories can improve the quality and efficiency of infrastructure projects, stimulate innovation and ensure sustainable and sustainable use of resources. This requires a joint effort from government, business, the public and proactively. These measures can be supplemented by the development of investment programs, the stimulation of scientific research in the field of infrastructure, the holding of competitions and grants for innovative projects, as well as the formation of a network of exchange of experience and training programs for improving the qualifications of specialists.

Evaluation of Hydrological Response of an Agricultural Watershed to Conservation Measures and Land Use Changes: A Case Study

An agricultural watershed falling in the catchment of Godavri basin was selected for the study. Paddy, Maize, Cotton, Red gram, and Vegetables are the major crops grown in the watershed. Severe soil erosion consequent degradation of land and lack of water resources for supplementary irrigation and high dependence on rainfed farming leading to poor crop yields were the major problems in the watershed. With a view to address the issues in rainfed farming compounded by increasing adverse effects of climate change, soil and water conservation measures including area and drainage line treatments from ridge to valley were implemented in the watershed from the year 2009 to 2015 with the active participation of local people with facilitation support by a local civil society organization. With the implementation of the conservation measures, visible impact in terms of increased water availability, change in the land use and increased area under cultivation were reported in the watershed. The present study aimed at assessing the hydrological response of the watershed to the conservation measures and land use changes. As the study watershed is an ungauged one, the hydrological response of watershed was simulated with commonly used SCS-CN model duly validated with additional surface storage capacity created in the watershed. The study revealed highly positive impact of conservation measures and land use changes on hydrological behaviour of watershed. The main observed change in hydrological response of watershed was the decrease in the monsoon seasonal runoff by 33% (from 15 % before taking up catchment management measures to 10 % of seasonal rainfall after the project). The conservation measures were found to facilitate storing excess runoff in the watershed itself contributing to improved soil moisture, groundwater recharge and availability of water. Further, the additional storage capacity of 336 cubic m per hectare as estimated from the present hydrological response study was found to be in very close agreement with actual storage capacity of 322 cubic m per hectare, created with different conservation works taken up in the watershed.

Anthropological Research in Public Health Emergencies in India: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities

Background The current global pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) disease and similar kinds of recent diseases like the Ebola virus and Zika virus diseases urge to renovate the recognition of the need to understand social-cultural pathways of disease transmission. The community members’ emic understanding of sudden health crises may help to increase local people's participation in the public healthcare system. Social scientists, particularly anthropologists, have an essential driver in population response to the disease outbreak due to their subjective and objective abilities to assess these events through the lens of the bio-cultural dimension, even in micro-level communities. In the light of interdisciplinary understanding of diseases in public health emergencies, the importance of the anthropological role is growing demand and advocate to perform fruitful research. This paper provides a brief outline of the basic concept of public health emergencies and the involvement of Indian anthropologists so far through global perspectives. This paper also argues the current methodological challenges, policy shortcomings, and future opportunities for anthropological research during disease emergencies in the Indian context. Objective The objective was to find out the community preparedness and response to COVID-19. Methodology For the present study, both secondary and primary data were used. To obtain the secondary data, a specific literature review was done using the key word “Public Health Emergencies”, combined with “Public Health”, “COVID-19”, “Anthropology”, “Preparedness”, “Response”, “Medical Anthropology”, “World Health Organization (WHO)”, “Pandemic”, “Infectious Diseases” and “India” on PubMed and Google Scholar from April 2020 to September 2021. A manual search for relevant materials, and examined articles from several nonacademic sources (e.g. news, websites, etc.) was also used for the analyzing the facts. To obtain primary data, the qualitative survey was carried out in a Santal village, “Majhi Kadamdih”, located in Balarampur block, 35 km southwest of Purulia district town of West Bengal, India. Conclusion There is an insightful connection between anthropological research and public health emergency, specifically in local people’s preparedness and response during sudden health crises. Based on world literature, it was observed that anthropologists substantially contribute to finding out the social-cultural pathways of emergency diseases and interprets the phenomenon in bio-cultural ways.

Sosisalisasi dan Peningkatan Kapasitas Masyarakat Dalam Penyusunan Rencana Kelola dan Konservasi Hutan Mangrove Desa Buruk Bakul Kecamatan Bukit Batu, Bengkalis

Scientists concern on environmental services of the tropical ecosystem increase in the last decade. As a part of blue ecosystem, mangrove forest plays an important role from prespective of ecological, physical and social concern. Scientists suggest that the ecosystem could enrole in mitigation and resilience of climate change. In contrary, degradation and land conversion rate of the ecosystem is alarming all over the world including in Bengkalis Regency. Therefore attempts to overcome the problem become important. Local people as a main stakeholder need to be aware of environmental service of mangrove in their own region. The objective of the study was to increase perception, capacity and participation local people on conservation efforts. During the extention the local participants were introduced with the practical knowledge and skill in that of small scale mangrove ecoturism business.The participants of total 35 persons, with background of farmer, fishermen, local leader, young leader, and of non-government organization “Sekat Bakau” of the Buruk Bakul were trained on ecological, economical and social benefit of mangrove ecosystem. Further, materials on sustainability of ecoturism principles based on ecological, social and economical benefit to the environment and society, were discussed in classroom. Inherently, ecoturism could empower people through microscale business, educate as people well as enhance participation of local people. The effectiveness of the extention were greatly well based on evaluation to the participants and showed a significant result in perception, participation. Apparently, the level of capacity and knowledge on ecoturism were categorized into very good (60%), good (30%) and fair (10%). Based on that, the extention were categorized success.

Perkembangan Pengeluaran Getah di Negeri Kedah, 1970-1990

This research would like to see to what extent the success of the Kedah Government and the Federal Government in strengthening rubber production in Kedah from 1970 to 1990. The State of Kedah is seen to have responded to the call of the Federal Government in an effort to improve the state’s economy through the New Economic Policy (NEP) through rubber production. Various plans and implementations in increasing rubber production in Kedah are seen to have been implemented by the authorities with the hope that it can encourage the participation of local people in Kedah to get involved in rubber production activities. This research has applied qualitative and quantitative through the methodology of historical research methods. Resources and materials are obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia, National Archives of Malaysia Kedah/Perlis Branch, National Library of Malaysia, Kedah State Public Library, Kedah Chief Minister’s Office, Public Institute of Higher Learning (IPTA) Libraries throughout Malaysia, and others. This study has found that rubber production in Kedah grew rapidly from 1970 to 1990 and this can be seen as a success for the state of Kedah. Moreover, the authorities also have succeeded in encouraging the involvement of local people in this sector. Clearly, through this research, it shows that Kedah Rubber City (KRC) which is the first Rubber Industrial Park in Kedah and also in Malaysia and is currently manned actively by the authorities had contributed to the development of Kedah rubber production in the past.

Socio-economic and ecological outcomes of a community-based restoration of peatland swamp forests in Peninsular Malaysia: A 5Rs approach

Restoration of degraded forest lands is a global priority that aims to restore ecosystems and their functions in ways that provide multiple socio-economic benefits. The Selangor State Forestry Department (SSFD) of peninsular Malaysia in collaboration with an NGO, local people and other stakeholders had been implemented a community-based restoration of degraded peat swamp forest (1000 hectare) programme in Raja Musa Forest Reserve, North Selangor since 2008. However, socio-economic and ecological impacts of this restoration programme are yet to study fully. In this pioneer study, we followed 5Rs approach to peatland restoration and assessed rewetting status (R1), reduction of fire incidences (R2), revegetation (R3), revitalization (R4) and reporting and monitoring (R5) to understand socio-economic and ecological outcomes of the programme. Data on R1, R2, R3 (restoration approach), R4 (qualitative data on socio-economic outcomes) and R5 (management actions and stakeholders’ participation) were collected through four focus group discussions, five key informant interviews, review of NGO’s documents and a stakeholders’ workshop. Quantitative data on R4 (local peoples’ willingness to contribute (WTC) and socio-economic impact (e. g. benefits, education, awareness) were collected through structured interviews of 200 randomly selected households in four surrounding villages. Data on R3 (ecological outcomes- survival rate and growth of planted trees, status of natural regeneration) were gathered through a series of vegetation survey. Restoration project created jobs (e. g. patrolling) and small business (e. g. forest nursery) opportunities for local people, and enhanced tourism, nature education and research in RMFR thus contributed to locals’ socio-economic development (R4). Local people were WTC to tree planting and maintenance (69 %), canal blocking and maintenance (26 %), forest vigilance (34 %), fire control (35 %), trail construction (27 %), and education and awareness creation (40%) voluntarily without remuneration (R1, R2, R3). The SSFD and NGO adopted an innovative approach of PSF restoration where volunteers (local people and other stakeholders) participated in canals blocking to keep PSF wetted, monthly tree planting events, and education and awareness creation campaigns (R1, R3). Canal blockings helped to maintain a mean ground water level of − 24.96 cm. Due to continuous motivation and awareness creation among surrounding villagers, fire incidents in RMFR were reduced (R2). Between 2008 and 2019, 323.72- hectare plantations were developed mainly with Euodia redlevi tree species and few trees of Shorea leprosula, Myristica lowiana and M. pruinose (R3). Selection of species was done by the SSFD and NGO without input from local people (R5). The mean survival percentage of planted trees was 65%. Mean annual increment (MAI) of diameter and height of E. redlevi decreased from younger plantations (3-year) toward older ones (5-, 7-year) (R3). Overall, MAI (dbh and height) across four tree species between age groups was found significantly different (p = 0.001). Regeneration study identified 16 tree species with an average density of 17,798. E. redlevi was dominant, but only 10.6 % of its regeneration attained young tree stage (R3). Suggestions are made to expedite restoration with diverse tree species (R3) with effective participation of local people (R5) and to ensure post-planting maintenance for greater survival of planted trees (R1, R2, R3).

The power of protest in the EIA proceedings. Influence of local community on environmental decisions regarding intensive livestock operations - Example of Poland

Planned intensive livestock operations (ILOs) are often the subject of protests from the local communities due to the possible negative impacts. Active participation of local people occurs at an early stage of investment process, i.e. environmental impact assessment (EIA). The aim of this paper is to reveal the strength of influence from the protesting residents on the environmental proceedings for intensive livestock operations, the knowledge that local people bring to the proceedings and whether - finally - environmental conditions are established, giving the green light to the investment. The results showed that the EIA in Poland mainly endorses technocratic rationality and does not include comprehensive assessment of social impact (SIA). Yet, owing to the opposition from the local inhabitants, who bring into the EIA procedure, concerning ILOs, their value-based and experiential knowledge, local authorities often refuse to establish the environmental conditions for the potential investors. In practice the opposition from the inhabitants leads to the broadening of the scope of SIA in the framework of EIA. This means, however, that the environmental procedures get more complex and controversial from the legal point of view. Ultimately, the majority of the analysed instances of ILO projects, against which the local inhabitants protested, got blocked at the procedural stage of EIA.

POLITICAL ECONOMY OF URBAN CHANGE IN KATHMANDU VALLEY: A CASE FROM SOUTHERN LALITPUR METROPOLITAN CITY

Urbanisation in Kathmandu Valley (KV), comprising the capital city Kathmandu, accelerated after the restoration of democracy in the 1990s, as the neoliberal economic policy adopted by the country opened doors for investments in infrastructure development. Urbanisation further accelerated during the Maoist insurgency and heightened after the conflict resolution in 2006 and since then, the country has gone through multiple (spatial, demographic, political, and economic) transitions. With better access to education, hospitals, jobs, businesses, politics, Kathmandu Valley attracts people from all over the country, resulting in the densification in the core cities and an uncontrolled urban sprawl thereby unplanned growth of built-up areas in the periphery. This paper, taking reference of Lalitpur Metropolitan City in the valley with a focus on Khokana (Ward 21) analyses (1) the trend of urbanisation in KV with a reference to urban growth and land use change and (2) examines the contradictions and contestations brought by the centrally planned development and constructional projects as part of the drivers of the urbanisation process in and around Khokana. We examine how the infrastructural imperatives and real estate boom is shifting the core to the periphery and the periphery again is transforming into a new core due to the expansion of capital and market. The planned infrastructural projects, additionally, have also increased the risk of delinking local communities from their land, which is the main cause of community dissatisfaction. We, therefore, conclude with the policy suggestion to ensure the participation of local people and prioritisation of urban development projects based on local needs to achieve a resilient tomorrow’s cities.

The Survey of Affecting Factors on Tendency to Participation of Local People in the Restoration of Oak Forests Involved with Decline in Ilam Province

The Survey of Affecting Factors on Tendency to Participation of Local People in the Restoration of Oak Forests Involved with Decline in Ilam Province

How effective are marine parks in protecting their coral reef ecosystem? A study case in the Mexican Caribbean

Abstract In the Mexican Caribbean, marine protected areas have been established to tackle marine ecosystem degradation caused by the coastal development that started in Cancún in the 1970s and extended south to the border with Belize in the 1990s. It is crucial to assess their effectiveness for conservation of the reef ecosystem, but also the perception of stakeholders, because the objective would be unattainable without their participation. This study evaluated the conservation status and the management effectiveness of National Park Xcalak Reefs (PNAX), in the southernmost Mexican Caribbean. In addition to interviewing local stakeholders to recognize issues related to the administration and functioning of PNAX, four zones with different use restrictions inside the park were evaluated, using ecological indicators (diversity and abundance of fishes, coral diversity and cover, and macroalgal cover) and ecological knowledge by interviewing local stakeholders, mostly fishers and conservation personnel. The results suggest that one of the restricted‐use zones is in good condition, with a higher abundance of fishes and coral cover, and a lower cover of fleshy macroalgae and turf, compared with the other zones in the protected area. On the other hand, the core area presents bad indicators, such as a higher macroalgal cover and lower abundance of fishes, suggesting poor management or insufficient enforcement. Although mistrust and lack of communication between fishers and conservation authorities may limit the achievement of conservation goals, some programmes involving active participation of local people, for example lionfish culling and coastal vegetation restoration, have had a good impact on the coral reef community.