Park Management Plan Research Articles

Développement touristique des parcs de montagne au Maroc : principes de zonage et d'aménagement / Tourism development in the mountain parks of Morocco : planning and zoning principles

Abstract : The basic principles governing zoning and tourism development in the Moroc- can mountain parks are examined by comparing the development plans drawn up for the Eastern High Atlas and Toubkal National Parks, and the Natural Parks of Ifrane (Middle Atlas) and Talassemetane (Rif)- The development proposals for each park are based on prior zoning of the land for tourism purposes using criteria such as ecological sensitivity, intensity of use, and the degree of autonomy of visitors. The main development principle adopted consists in combining measures to channel visitors (signs, zoning) with other measures to provide them with professional guides, the latter being used when the channelling techniques may present a risk to the natural environment. The success of park management plans is contingent upon setting up agreements, at both the local and national levels, between the public and private actors involved in tourism development.

Long Term Arboreal Change in a Landscaped Urban Park: Central Park, New York

Historical records of the forest composition, structure, and environment of Central Park, New York City were examined to determine long term forest changes and whatfactors influenced the changes. Comparisons were made among eleven lists of tree species created between 1857 and 1982. Fifty-one families, 119 genera, 392 species (of which 279 were alien species and 113 native species) were identified. Species richness was highest afterthe initial park plantings in 1863 (244 species) and over 75% greater than Frederick Law Olmsted planned. Only 41% of all species, 34% of alien species, and 58% of native species reported in the past were on the1982 list.The history of Central Park can serve as a resource and guide for species selection and distribution of trees in park planting and management plans.

Censusing the gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

This paper reports the results of the first detailed census of the eastern lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Fourteen groups and five lone males totalling 223 gorillas were estimated by night nest counts. The presence of secondary forest appears to be an important factor influencing gorilla distribution within the park. Gorillas tended to concentrate in areas of extensive secondary forest where abundant food and cover was available. Large areas of the park (58%) did not contain suitable gorilla habitat and consequently supported no groups. The population density of gorillas in the park was calculated to be 0·37/km 2. The population is considered to be relatively stable or increasing. To ensure the continued protection of the gorillas and maintenance of suitable habitat, follow-up census studies, a long-term park management plan, along with the development of tourism, are recommended.

Animal husbandry and grazing, a conservation and management problem in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal

Nepal's Five Year Plan gives priority to the agricultural sector, which in the High Himalayas implies emphasis on animal husbandry and grazing over extensive areas. This traditional land use is in opposition to national management and conservation interests in the study area: Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park. Through mapping and analysis this article documents the present traditions and rights of the Sherpas. The article contributes to the Park Management Plan by analyzing trends in animal husbandry, ownership, and the spatial distribution and grazing intensity of the domestic animals. Future conservation and management problems are discussed in view of the findings reported in this article.

Appraising Protected Area Management Planning in Nepal

This paper distils Nepal's experience on protected area management planning, with particular reference to implementation of management plan. It also reviews the status of PA management plan and legal provisions related to management plan. Management plan is the road map to guide conservation efforts and sets out the desired future of protected area. Five-year management plan of protected areas have been prepared and implemented. Although park management plans were formulated for most of the parks and reserves, there remained wide gaps during its timely and effective implementation. The aim of this paper is to answer the question "what are the issues in management planning process and implementation". Building on the strength of the past and keeping the existing weaknesses in mind, the management effectiveness should be evaluated and improved.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5538The Initiation Vol.4 2011 69-81

A strategic framework for biodiversity monitoring in South African National Parks

Protected areas are under increasing threat from a range of external and internal pressures on biodiversity. With a primary mandate being the conservation of biodiversity, monitoring is an essential component of measuring the performance of protected areas. Here we present a framework for guiding the structure and development of a Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) for South African National Parks (SANParks). Monitoring activities in the organisation are currently unevenly distributed across parks, taxa and key concerns: they do not address the full array of biodiversity objectives, and have largely evolved in the absence of a coherent, overarching framework. The requirement for biodiversity monitoring in national parks is clearly specified in national legislation and international policy, as well as by SANParks’ own adaptive management philosophy. Several approaches available for categorising the multitude of monitoring requirements were considered in the development of the BMS, and 10 Biodiversity Monitoring Programmes (BMPs) were selected that provide broad coverage of higher-level biodiversity objectives of parks. A set of principles was adopted to guide the development of BMPs (currently underway), and data management, resource and capacity needs will be considered during their development. It is envisaged that the BMS will provide strategic direction for future investment in this core component of biodiversity conservation and management in SANParks. Conservation implications: Monitoring biodiversity in protected areas is essential to assessing their performance. Here we provide a coordinated framework for biodiversity monitoring in South African National Parks. The proposed biodiversity monitoring system addresses the broad range of park management plan derived biodiversity objectives.