Park Officials Research Articles

Anthropogenic fire, vegetation structure and ethnobotanical uses in an alpine shrubland of Nepal’s Himalaya

Alpine vegetation of the Himalaya is used as food, medicine or fodder, and is commonly managed with fire by agropastoralists. Prescribed fire can have positive effects on rangeland biodiversity, but studies evaluating its effects in alpine shrublands are scarce. Our objective was to examine the effects of anthropogenic fire on biophysical characteristics, species richness, abundance and composition in an alpine shrubland with socioeconomic value to local peoples in Langtang National Park in central Nepal. We surveyed biophysical variables, vascular plant species richness and composition along three transects at ascending elevations, and conducted interviews with local people and park officials on the use of fire in the region. We found 69 species of vascular plants in 89 plots; species richness was greater in burned plots and with increasing elevation, with 13 species unique to burned plots. We identified 14 indicator species in both burned and unburned plots; eight of them were Himalayan endemics. In burned plots, the indicator species were predominantly grasses and perennial forbs with ethnobotanical uses. This is the first detailed study on alpine shrubland anthropogenic fire in the Nepalese Himalaya. Burning may, at least temporarily, replace woody with more palatable herbaceous species, and weaken the elevational gradient of the shrubland.

Improving endangered antelope habitat through water quality assessment and collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service

Background and Aim: A population of endangered sitatunga antelope (Tragelaphus spekii) lives in a free-range environment at Impala Sanctuary in Kisumu, Kenya. Kenya Wildlife Service park officials suspected that increased demands on outdated sewage infrastructure caused animal drinking water sources to become contaminated which resulted in animal sickness and death. In this study, we complete a water quality assessment on open water sources within the park boundaries to determine if water was suitable for animal consumption. Materials and Methods: For the assessment of water, we measure eight physical and chemical parameters (pH, temperature, fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrates, total phosphates, and turbidity). These eight parameters were chosen because they are used to establish a water quality index (WQI) percentage which proved to be useful to communicate conditions to park rangers, stakeholders, and adjacent landowners. Results: Through 6 months of assessments, data collection, and analysis, we determined that most open water sources are severely contaminated, ranking on the WQI from 46% to 58% (bad to medium). In addition, we compared our data to drinking water standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for livestock to find that only two sites met the minimum criteria. The remaining four sites were exponentially contaminated with levels reaching 10× recommended values for animal health. Conclusion: Following these findings, the park was able to attract money for sewage infrastructure rebuilds that resolved the contamination problems. Sickness and death of free-roaming animals, including the antelope, were reduced.

SIKAP DAN PERILAKU PETANI DESA PEMO SEBAGAI DESA WISATA NASIONAL DALAM USAHA WISATAAGRO DI KAWASAN TAMAN NASIONAL KELIMUTU ENDE- FLORES- NTT

The Kelimutu area has a famous panoramic beauty and is one of the wonders of the world. Various efforts have been made by the Kelimutu National Park Office to empower local communities through agro-tourism activities. Initially, the activity went well, but after two years, the effort stalled due to human resource constraints of agro-tourism farmers. This study aims to determine The attitudes and behavior of Pemo village farmers on agro-tourism, The ability of Pemo village farmers to run agro-tourism businesses, Impact for Pemo village farmers on agro-tourism businesses, The wishes of Pemo village farmers related to agro-tourism businesses, BTNK's readiness and ability to run agro-tourism businesses; and Models developed. The research method used is a descriptive method with a population of Pemo village farmers and 50 samples. Data collection techniques by questionnaire, observation, interview, and PRA. Data analysis with qualitative and quantitative analysis using correlation coefficients and simultaneous accuracy test or F test and partial t-test. In conclusion (1) Pemo residents have the attitude and behavior to agree to develop agro-tourism; (2) farmers are not able to continue the development of agrotourism because of human resource constraints; (3) Impacts which have been received by farmers are quite good economic and financial impacts; (4) Farmers want to continue to be facilitated and need assistance, facilities and infrastructure assistance for the smooth agro-tourism business, (5) BTNK is unable to meet farmers' desires due to cost constraints, (6) the models offered are re-program and re-structuring primary agro-farmer institutions.

SIKAP DAN PERILAKU PETANI DESA PEMO SEBAGAI DESA WISATA NASIONAL DALAM USAHA WISATAAGRO DI KAWASAN TAMAN NASIONAL KELIMUTU ENDE- FLORES- NTT

The Kelimutu area has a famous panoramic beauty and is one of the wonders of the world. Various efforts have been made by the Kelimutu National Park Office to empower local communities through agro-tourism activities. Initially, the activity went well, but after two years, the effort stalled due to human resource constraints of agro-tourism farmers. This study aims to determine The attitudes and behavior of Pemo village farmers on agro-tourism, The ability of Pemo village farmers to run agro-tourism businesses, Impact for Pemo village farmers on agro-tourism businesses, The wishes of Pemo village farmers related to agro-tourism businesses, BTNK's readiness and ability to run agro-tourism businesses; and Models developed. The research method used is a descriptive method with a population of Pemo village farmers and 50 samples. Data collection techniques by questionnaire, observation, interview, and PRA. Data analysis with qualitative and quantitative analysis using correlation coefficients and simultaneous accuracy test or F test and partial t-test. In conclusion (1) Pemo residents have the attitude and behavior to agree to develop agro-tourism; (2) farmers are not able to continue the development of agrotourism because of human resource constraints; (3) Impacts which have been received by farmers are quite good economic and financial impacts; (4) Farmers want to continue to be facilitated and need assistance, facilities and infrastructure assistance for the smooth agro-tourism business, (5) BTNK is unable to meet farmers' desires due to cost constraints, (6) the models offered are re-program and re-structuring primary agro-farmer institutions.

SIKAP DAN PERILAKU PETANI DESA PEMO SEBAGAI DESA WISATA NASIONAL DALAM USAHA WISATAAGRO DI KAWASAN TAMAN NASIONAL KELIMUTU ENDE- FLORES- NTT

The Kelimutu area has a famous panoramic beauty and is one of the wonders of the world. Various efforts have been made by the Kelimutu National Park Office to empower local communities through agro-tourism activities. Initially, the activity went well, but after two years, the effort stalled due to human resource constraints of agro-tourism farmers. This study aims to determine The attitudes and behavior of Pemo village farmers on agro-tourism, The ability of Pemo village farmers to run agro-tourism businesses, Impact for Pemo village farmers on agro-tourism businesses, The wishes of Pemo village farmers related to agro-tourism businesses, BTNK's readiness and ability to run agro-tourism businesses; and Models developed. The research method used is a descriptive method with a population of Pemo village farmers and 50 samples. Data collection techniques by questionnaire, observation, interview, and PRA. Data analysis with qualitative and quantitative analysis using correlation coefficients and simultaneous accuracy test or F test and partial t-test. In conclusion (1) Pemo residents have the attitude and behavior to agree to develop agro-tourism; (2) farmers are not able to continue the development of agrotourism because of human resource constraints; (3) Impacts which have been received by farmers are quite good economic and financial impacts; (4) Farmers want to continue to be facilitated and need assistance, facilities and infrastructure assistance for the smooth agro-tourism business, (5) BTNK is unable to meet farmers' desires due to cost constraints, (6) the models offered are re-program and re-structuring primary agro-farmer institutions.

Development of Community-Based Tourism in Pinusan Kragilan, Pogalan Village, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to describe community involvement in the development of Kragilan Top Selfie Pinusan tourist destinations (TSPK) and explain the role of Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) in developing TSPK tourist destinations. This study uses the concept of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) as an analytical framework. The method used in this study is a qualitative research method. Data collection techniques were carried out by observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews with parties related to TSPK tourist destinations. The results of the study indicate that community participation in the process of developing the TSPK was encouraged by the local community namely Pokdarwis (tourism-aware group). Pokdarwis, in this case, plays a role in the division of labor; financial management; and managing cleanliness. Pokdarwis conducts division of labor to encourage community participation. The forms of community participation in TSPK include workforce and the contribution of ideas in developing TSPK. Next, the existence of TSPK also empowers the economy of the people in Kragilan Hamlet. Pokdarwis also empowers the community to manage the environment around the destination. Then TSPK shows that the CBT model that is different from CBT in general, in TSPK empowerment is carried out independently by Pokdarwis. Only after Pokdarwis initiated this empowerment and brought economic benefits, the government (Gunung Merbabu National Park Office) took part in helping TSPK management. Keywords : Community Based Tourism (CBT); Community Engagement; Participation; Top Selfie Pinusan Kragilan (TSPK).

The place and voice of local people, culture, and traditions: A catalyst for ecotourism development in rural communities in Ghana

Abstract Culture and traditions have been at the center of affairs of rural communities, especially in the conservation of natural sites earmarked as sacred. As cultural heritage sites, these places have been the seat for the conservation of nature, culture and, traditions of local regions. However, due to modernization, the place and voice of culture and traditions that drive interest in visitations to these sites are low, poorly affecting their ecotourism potentials. Therefore, a case study of the Tanoboase Sacred Natural Site in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana was carried out to assess how a spotlight on culture and traditions as well as local community participation could be used as catalysts in boosting ecotourism development. Non-participant observation, personal interview, and focus group discussions guided the collection of data from 51 participants consisting of traditional authorities, traditional priests, elderly respondents, youth and park officers. The findings from the study indicate that whenever the culture and traditions of rural people that ensure the conservation of natural sites are not properly considered and local people are not actively involved in the ecotourism planning and development, the ecotourism interest wanes, affecting the income generated from the ecotourism sites. The study recommends that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and conservation agencies must ensure that local people, their culture and traditions are properly factored into the planning and development of ecotourism sites in Ghana.

Policy effects for forest conservation and local livelihood improvements in Vietnam: a case study on Bach Ma National Park

ABSTRACTIn 2012, the Vietnamese Government enacted Decision 24, which aimed to promote forest conservation and local development, incorporating a community support program in the national park buffer zone to enhance the livelihoods of poor households while reducing forest exploitation. In this program, villages submit an annual plan based on the needs of the local people. This study aims to clarify efficacy and limitation of the program for forest conservation and local livelihood improvements, focusing on local people’s participation in policy decision-making process in national park management. Interview surveys were conducted at the Bach Ma National Park office and 5 relevant commune offices of Nam Dong District in Thua Thien Hue Province, and on 95 households in the buffer zone of Bach Ma National Park. As the results, the villages’ governance ability was a critical factor in the success or failure of conservation policy, because the villages were given high local autonomy in planning and operations. There was a case of inappropriate policy selection in which non-encroachment households were selected and received benefits, and thus the aims of the policy were not achieved. It is important for the authority to consider not only the demands of the local people but also their management abilities to use subsidies effectively. To achieve conservation and good management of the park, bottom-up decision-making is important; however, appropriate and supportive involvement in the decision-making process by the authority is essential, along with the understanding and cooperation of the local people.

Correlation study of Carbon Monoxide (CO) air exposure level with blood COHb level of Basement Officer in Surabaya Mall

Gas CO is formed as a result of incomplete combustion. The material containing carbon monoxide is gas emission from motorcycle vehicle which is toxic to humans. This study aims to analyze the correlation between CO gas that also known as Carbon monoxide gas in the air with COHb level of blood parking basement officers in Surabaya "x" mall. This study was analytical observational with cross sectional design and the data was analyzed by Chi-Square test. The number of samples used was 15 parking basement officers and a control group of 15 people as a comparison. The results of measurement of CO gas levels in 3 parking points were more than standards recommendation. While the other 3 points in the control area were below the quality standard. All of samples in the parking basement officers had COHb levels >5% and for control areas there were 11 persons who had COHb levels of <5% and 4 people who had COHb levels of >5%. The results suggested that there was a significant correlation between the characteristics of individuals with COHb levels, such as duration of work (p = 0.040), nutritional status (p = 0.047) and smoking habits (p = 0.046). While variable of age (p = 0.070) and personal protective equipment (PPE) use (p = 0.128) showed no significant correlation. In addition, there was a significant correlation between exposure of CO gas and blood COHb levels in basement car park officers in Surabaya “X” Mall (p = 0.000), and there was a distinction between COHb level of blood basement car park officers in the "x" mall building and the control group with a value of p = 0.000. Based on the results, it is suggested for car park officers to cease smoking, go to places with more oxygen, maintain diet and do exercise regularly. It is also suggested and recommended for agencies is to put more attention regarding exhaust fans’ maintenance and sufficiency.

Rinjani-Lombok Biosphere Reserve And Public Welfare Improvement

Biosphere reserves are ideal areas fortesting and demonstrating approaches to sustainable development at the regional level. Rinjani-Lombok Biosphere Reserve wasproposed by the Government of Indonesia in 2017. In the process of proposing Rinjani-Lombok Biosphere Reserve faces many challenges and obstacles, but with the intention to improve the welfare of the community endeavor and work together proposal of Rinjani-Lombok Biosphere Reserve by the Government of Indonesia through LIPI - Ministry of Environment and Forestry Gunung Rinjani National Park Office - NTB Provincial Government can be realized. The management of the area, especially the management of the Rinjani-Lombok biosphere reserve, is a complex and multi-stakeholder and multidimensional interest. In order to improve the effectiveness of its management it needs initiative and collaborative steps and a network to realize the management of the area that obviously conserve natural resources and improve the welfare of the community by carefully paying attention to the wisdom and culture of local communities and harmonious relationship with and within nature. The application of science, research, and technology in the management of Biosphere Reserve area is expected to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of regional management. This paper contains an overview of the experience of proposing Rinjani-Lombok Biosphere Reserves and hopes of increasing the welfare of the people of Lombok Island from the establishment of the Rinjani-Lombok Biosphere Reserve.

The effects of anthropogenic landscape change on the abundance and habitat use of terrestrial large mammals of Nech Sar National Park

BackgroundLandscape change and disturbance are major challenges of wildlife management worldwide. The purpose of this study is to determine the impacts of anthropogenic landscape disturbances on the abundance and habitat use of terrestrial large mammals of Nech Sar National Park. Disturbance of natural habitats for 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2013 was analyzed using descriptive metrics of different landscapes at the class level. Population estimates of large terrestrial mammals were conducted using the line-transect method. Data were collected on the distribution and abundance of human settlement, domestic animals’ sightings and livestock Karel using field observation and Google Earth digital image.ResultThe results have shown that anthropogenic disturbances lead to changes in the size, number, distance, spatial distribution and configuration of fragments in the natural habitats between 1985 and 2013. The highest anthropogenic impacts are detected on the forest and grassland habitats through fuelwood and construction wood collection, settlement and overgrazing. Large concentrations of settlement with grass-roofed and tin-roofed houses are observed in the grassland and wooded grassland habitats. Out of the recorded 1079 houses built within the park, 867 (80.4%) were mud and wood wall with grass-roofed and 212 (19.6%) were tin-roofed houses. The ratio of tin-roofed and grass-roofed houses is 0.24:1 which suggests the permanency of human settlement and the high intensity of human impact on the wildlife. About 771 cattle Karels were recorded with the ratio of Karel to house as 0.89:1 which indicates that households have at least one Karel near to their residence. These habitat disturbances have resulted in the decline of key wildlife species in Nech Sar National Park. For instance, the population of Grant’s zebra (Equus quagga) has decreased from 6500 in 1985 to 2161 in this study based on the 2013 count. The population of Swayne’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) has significantly decreased in the past decades from 40 in 1992 to 35 in 2008, to 12 in 2010, to four (4) in 2013 and locally extinct between 2017 and 2018 based on the Nech Sar National Park office information.ConclusionsHuman activities in the Nech Sar National Park are the root causes for the decline of key wildlife species particularly for the loss of Swayne’s hartebeest in the park over the past three decades. These changes are mainly related to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation due to deforestation, livestock overgrazing and residential expansion (tin-roofed, grass-roofed houses). Therefore, the main priority in Nech Sar National Park should be designing management strategies to restore the park as a fully functioning sustainable ecosystem and ensuring the social and economic sustainability of the local community. This intervention can be addressed by creating other means of livelihood, supplying alternative energy, establishing basic infrastructure and relocating the community out of the park. In this regard, a resettlement action plan should be prepared that could ensure the community will not come back to the protected area for livelihood.

Solving multiple travelling officers problem with population-based optimization algorithms

The travelling officer problem (TOP) is a graph-based orienteering problem for modelling the patrolling routines of a parking officer monitoring an area. Recently, a spatiotemporal probabilistic model was built for TOP to estimate the leaving probability of parking cars, and relevant algorithms were applied to search for the optimal path for a parking officer to maximize the collection of parking fines from cars in violation. However, there are often multiple parking officers on duty during business hours in the central business district, which provides us with the opportunities to introduce cooperation among officers for efficient car-parking management. The multiple travelling officers problem (MTOP) is a more complex problem than the TOP because multiple officers are involved simultaneously in paths construction. In this study, the MTOP is formulated and new components are established for solving the problem. One essential component called the leader-based random-keys encoding scheme (LERK) is developed for the representation of possible solutions. Then, cuckoo search (CS), genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are implemented using the proposed components and compared with other state-of-the-art GA and PSO using other solution encoding schemes to solve MTOP. In addition, two greedy selection algorithms are adopted as baselines. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated with real parking sensors data and different metrics. The experimental results show that the performance of CS and GA using LERK is considerably improved in comparison with that of other implemented algorithms.

Pelatihan Petugas Taman dalam Pengelolaan Taman dalam Pengembangan Ruang Terbuka Hijau di Kota Depok

City park is one form of urban green open space. To maintain the city park in good condition, maintenance activities in the form of maintenance functions, shapes, and aesthetics are needed. In the park maintenance activities, park officers are needed as human resources who understand the maintenance activities. Depok Municipality in West Java Province is currently being intensively improving the quality of the park through park officer training activities. This public services activity consists of three stages i.e. field observations, training and tests to park officers, and evaluations to advise the stakesholders. The purpose of this article are to identify technical issues, to improve the practical knowledge of park officers, and to provide input to the management of parks in Depok Municipality. After the training, it was found that the park officers in Depok Municipality increased is their knowledge significantly. The absence of guidance on park management and unsustainable park design are technical problems faced by park officers. The Government of Depok Municipality needs to facilitate park officers with maintenance guidebooks, analyze labor needs, evaluate park quality, simplify garden design, make a list of existing trees and preserve the valuable old trees.

Legal enforcement for chemicals uses for fishing in Wakatobi District

The chemicals using in fishing is very disturbing to the sustainability of the sea ecosystem. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the reasons behind the ineffectiveness of criminal law applied by the Wakatobi National Park Office for illegal fishing criminals who use chemicals to catch fish. The initial investigation revealed the law was not yet practical because there are individuals who were carrying out illegal fishing as a result of several factors which become the barrier. The results of research on law enforcement have found obstacles and support as follows: Inhibiting factors, namely: law factor, limitations of human resources, limitations of facilities and infrastructure, high costs, lack of expert witnesses, the absence of fisheries courts and lack of community awareness. Then supporting factors are law, government, police, and support from local, national and international governments.

KAJIAN BENTUK KARAKTER RUANG TAMAN TINGKIR SEBAGAI RUANG TERBUKA HIJAU PERKOTAAN KOTA SALATIGA

Governments of Salatiga City is being heavily – incessant increase open green space in order to apply the 30% region used as green open space. Tingkir Park is a form of implementation of the Government program by implementing various concepts in it such as Green Design, Green Open Space, Green Water, and Green Waste. Garden Tingkir can also be used as a playground and sport park equipped with facilities of his supporters so that this becomes the attraction of citizens to make use of the garden. A strong appeal in the region triggered the emergence of a wide range of user activity (public) space by utilizing a variety of spaces in the area Tingkir Park. The goal of the research is going to do that is to find the character space of the area Tingkir park which is a new park strive Government Salatiga city and Office of Copyright works and Spatial Salatiga city to meet the needs open green space in the city who is now a visitor attraction capable of being of local people. The research uses qualitative descriptive method with the deductive approach of Phenomenology .There are two types of green open space in the Park area, namely Tingkir Park and Tingkir Green Corridor. Open green space Parks Tingkir is active open space and applying the concept of Green Design, Green Open Space, Green Water, and Green Waste. While the green corridors have elongated pattern following the road and serves as a shady, air, and absorption of pollutants. The character of the spaces the Park area was discovered through some Tingkir processes such as find sub themes, themes, and concepts. Sub themes found in the utilization of space in the Park area Tingkir. The theme of the Tingkir Park area found as the lounge, waiting, playing, exercising, and selling. While the concept of identity in the form of categorized into plazas, playgrounds, garden design; the structure of the form of the waiting room, leisure, economy; and meaning in the form of relaxing space. The third component of the space character of area Tingkir Park formulating as the recreation space Keywords: Green Open Space, City Parks, Characters

Marginalised herders: Social dynamics and natural resource use in the fragile environment of the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa

In the contractual Richtersveld National Park (RNP), park officials and neighbouring communities jointly manage resources, with the aim to harmonize biodiversity conservation and human land use. Our socio-ecological approach compared herding practices and livelihoods of 36 livestock owners and 35 hired herders inside and outside RNP, and further assessed soil quality and vegetation characteristics under different livestock grazing patterns and access to natural resources. Hired herders were mainly in charge of animal movement patterns but were not included in formal agreements, which negatively impacted on natural resource management, livelihoods, animal well-being and communication amongst stakeholders. Soil properties and vegetation were generally negatively affected through grazing and herding practices in this fragile semi-arid biodiversity hotspot that encompasses many endangered and endemic species. Our research highlights the complex social relationships and dynamics between diverse stakeholders engaged in the contractual park and accentuates the need to improve herders’ social and economic status.

From conflict to collaboration: the contribution of co-management in mitigating conflicts in Mole National Park, Ghana

AbstractFew studies exist about the extent to which co-management in protected areas contributes to conflict prevention or mitigation and at what level of the conflicts such collaborative efforts are possible. Following varying degrees of conflict, Mole National Park, Ghana, embarked on a collaborative community-based wildlife management programme in 2000. Using Glasl's conflict escalation model, we analysed the contribution of co-management to mitigating and preventing conflicts from escalating. We conducted a total of 22 interviews with local traditional leaders, Park officials and local government officials, and 26 focus group discussions with farmers, hunters, women and representatives of co-management boards, selected from 10 of the 33 communities surrounding the Park. Our findings indicate that co-management can help mitigate or prevent conflicts from escalating when conflicting parties engage with each other in a transparent manner using deliberative processes such as negotiation, mediation and the use of economic incentives. It is, however, difficult to resolve conflicts through co-management when dialogue between conflicting parties breaks down, as parties take entrenched positions and are unwilling to compromise on their core values and interests. We conclude that although co-management contributes to successful conflict management, factors such as understanding the context of the conflicts, including the underlying sources and manifestations of the conflict, incorporating local knowledge, and ensuring open dialogue, trust and transparency between conflicting parties are key to attaining sustainable conflict management in protected areas.

Co-Managers or Co-Residents? Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in the Management of Protected Areas: a Case Study of the Agta in the Philippines

Indigenous peoples’ participation in the co-management of protected areas is recognised as essential for conserving both cultural and biological diversity. While this practice is increasingly common, few studies have quantitatively evaluated the efficacy of these initiatives. Here we examine levels of knowledge and involvement among the Agta, a hunter-gatherer population who co-manage the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, the largest protected area in the Philippines. We find that the Agta generally possess low levels of knowledge about the protected area they are supposed to co-manage. Participation in park management is hampered by several factors, including a lack of cultural sensitivity regarding the Agta’s foraging lifestyle among park officials and little political will to realistically empower and support the Agta as co-managers. Recommendations to strengthen Agta participation – and indigenous peoples’ participation in protected area management more widely – are made to help protect the world’s remaining cultural and biological diversity.

Application of gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for the assessment of PAH levels in non industrial indoor air

A gas chromatographic coupled to a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometric (GC–MS/MS) method was optimized in order to measure the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different non industrial indoor environments using active (filter + XAD-2) and passive (polyurethane, PUF) samplers. Ultrasonic and soxhlet extractions were used for active and passive samplers, respectively. The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods used were tested by spiking PUF, filters and XAD-2 with different working standards containing all analyzed PAH compounds. The proposed methods were applied to the analysis of real samples collected in the urban area of Ciudad Real, Spain. Nineteen PAHs were investigated in homes and workplaces such as petrol station stores (PSS), an underground parking office and the office of a periodic technical inspection of vehicles (PTI). The range of individual concentrations of PAH collected with the active sampler was from non detected to 144 ng m−3 at home, from <LOD to 595 ng m−3 at PSS, from 0.08 to 492 ng m−3 at parking office and from non detected to 93 ng m−3 at PTI office. Passive samplers were only employed at homes and the concentration range of PAH was from non detected to 5.1 ng m−3. Naphthalene was the most abundant PAH in all samples using active samplers while phenanthrene was the most abundant at homes using passive samplers. Total concentrations of measured PAH (ΣPAH) were as follow: 283 ng m−3 (home), 217–911 ng m−3 (PSS), 732 ng m−3 (parking office) and 216 ng m−3 (PTI office). Three components were extracted from the application of PCA to the petrol stations stores accounting for 97.2% of the total variance.A procedure to estimate the measurement uncertainty of PAH collected with active samplers has also been developed as it is an important issue in order to achieve accurate measurement results. The relative uncertainties were found to be in the range of 16–45% except for Acenaphthene whose uncertainty was around 54%.

People’s views towards Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Sudrajat J, Sawerah S, Permatasari N, Suharyani A, Karmoni A, Anshari GZ, Wardhana D, Rossanda D. 2018. People’s views towards Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 1138-1146. It is a common belief that the management of national park prevents local communities from accessing the park and using the park resources. Illegal logging and other unwanted encroachments to the park become a big problem, as national park authority has a limited capacity to monitor the whole park. This research aimed to study how local communities viewed Gunung Palung National Park, which is located in Ketapang and Kayong Utara District, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. A total of 91 respondents from seven villages were interviewed. In general, about 70% of respondents viewed the importance of economic benefits, resulting from limited access to traditional gardens in the use zone of the park and the supply of clean water. Approximately 67% of these respondents viewed the protection of natural resources in the park was not important. This view was possibly due to their little knowledge of the park management and the use of zoning system in the park. It was reported that park officers have some activities, but the collaboration and relationship between park officers and local communities need more time to mature. It seems that the poor and the youth tend to exploit more and put higher pressures on the park than the elderly groups.