Participation In Conservation Activities Research Articles

Willingness and drivers of community participation in mangrove conservation in the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania

Promoting local community participation in recognition of their indigenous knowledge is important for effective resource conservation. The aims of this study were to evaluate local community willingness and drivers of participation in mangrove conservation activities in the Rufiji Delta. Data were collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, semi-structured household interviews and participant and non-participant observations, across three designated management blocks - Northern delta (ND), Central delta (CD) and Southern delta (SD). Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis while quantitative data were analysed for descriptive and inferential statistics. Overall, the majority of respondents (88 %) agreed that it was important for the community to participate in mangrove conservation activities and 50 % of them expressed immediate readiness to participate if called upon. Zone wise, 50 % of respondents in ND and CD, and 42 % in SD indicated a moderate level of community willingness to participate in conservation. Age of household head, education level, source of income and awareness of mangrove governing laws were the most significant drivers positively associated with community willingness to participate in conservation activities. These findings suggest that for long-term management of mangroves, local communities should be adequately recognized as partners rather than as foes.

The policy plan of ecotourism development of Sakjan Lake for economic empowerment of buffering rural community in the Meru Betiri National Park Jember Indonesia

Meru Betiri National Park is a conservation area for the biodiversity of flora and fauna. In the implementation, conservation activities should provide economic benefits for the buffer community to build participation in conservation activities. This study aims to find out a policy plan for developing the ecotourism destination of Sakjan Lake in Meru Betiri National Park Jember. The analysis uses the Tinbergen Rule with consideration of endogenous and exogenous variables in achieving the final goal of community empowerment of buffer villages without neglecting the nature conservation in the Meru Betiri National Park. The results show that policy plans consist of zoning changes to the location of Sakjan Lake, maximum protection of natural preservation, tourist safety, community empowerment with a participatory approach, keeping off ecotourism paradoxes and determining a proper strategy for ecotourism development. Ecotourism activities of Sakjan Lake should be directed to the economic improvement of the local community without breaking the regulation related to the existence of Meru Betiri National Park and safety attention for visitors, so that ecotourism activities are not only for income generating but also for nature and environmental conservation.

Environmental Conservation Based on Community Empowerment: Case Study in Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark

Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark (TCUGG) has not only geological phenomena of international geological significance value but also has outstanding universal value by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The establishment of TCUGG as a national priority and the Lake Toba Authority Agency is a serious commitment from the government to develop this region. Although it is now a super-priority tourism destination, over the last six decades, the water level of Lake Toba has decreased significantly by 2.4 cm per year from 1957 to 2016. The environmental quality index shows a decline from year to year, and environmental conditions of Lake Toba are already very severe due to various factors. The government and local communities are still running independently for the conservation agenda. This empirical research uses a mixed method of sequential explanation. The main objective of the research is to analyze the determinants of local people's choices to participate in conservation activities in TCUGG. From the research results, the significant factors that determine the local communities' participation in conservation activities are water availability, incentives, suitability of seeds, trust level for the initiator, and the success rate of previous conservation. Society does not need promises or rhetoric, especially for those who have participated before and experienced low success rates. Application of reward and punishment as an incentive for the community to participate in conservation activities and to further encourage their motivation. The main key is to serve the needs of the community in conservation practices.

Community-Based Whale Sharks Conservation to Strengthen Ma-rine Tourism Management in Sumbawa

Sumbawa is famous for its marine tourism, apart from the beauty of its beaches, Sumbawa also has marine fauna that attracts the attention of tourists, namely whale sharks. It is recorded that there are around 99 species of Whale Sharks located in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa. Thus, making Saleh Bay the location with the second largest whale shark population in Indonesia and UNESCO designated Saleh Bay as part of the SAMOTA biosphere reserve. Currently, whale sharks have protected fauna according to the decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries No. 18 of 2013. This is due to the pollution of whale shark habitats by pollutants including garbage and microplastics. In addition, the Overexploitation of whale sharks is some of the causes of the significant decline in whale shark populations. Marine ecotourism activities in the form of exhibiting Whale Sharks to tourists can be an alternative way of sustainable use because it has minimal impact on individual Whale Sharks, in addition, marine ecotourism activities can also provide economic benefits to the Sumbawa community and regional development including supporting efforts to protect and preserve the whale shark fauna. The Study "Community-Based Whale Shark Conservation to Strengthen Marine Tourism Management in Sumbawa “aims to present a blue economy model for coastal communities in Sumbawa and increase community participation in conservation activities, as well as improve the welfare of coastal communities in Sumbawa.

Socioeconomic and ecological direct and spillover effects of China's giant panda nature reserves

It is well recognized that the establishment of protected areas is essential for protecting biodiversity. However, protected areas may have mixed ecological and socioeconomic effects. Scholars have agreed on the positive ecological effects of protected areas, but the socioeconomic effects remain contested. Moreover, most studies have analyzed socioeconomic and ecological effects separately, while there may be a trade-off between the two types of effects. Our research took giant panda nature reserves in the Qinling Mountains in China as a case study. We evaluated the direct and spillover socioeconomic and ecological effects of establishing nature reserves. We found that the establishment of nature reserves has achieved significant direct and spillover ecological effects in reducing household grazing inside and adjacent to nature reserves. Their establishment has also increased households' participation in conservation activities. Furthermore, the establishment of nature reserves has achieved spillover socioeconomic effects; it has significantly increased the per capita income of households adjacent to nature reserves, reducing their poverty. However, the direct socioeconomic effects are not significant, as the livelihoods of households inside nature reserves have not improved significantly. Future conservation policymaking should consider both regional differences (i.e., of households inside vs. adjacent to nature reserves) and community heterogeneity.

The community-based conservation management in gunung sewu unesco global geopark cased study of Nglanggeran Geoheritage

Nglanggeran geoheritage is considered successful, sustainable, and get some recognition from the national and international organization. This site has established purely from the community engagement to take care of their environment by restoring the environment around the ancient volcano areas. The objective of the research is to explore the management model and community participation in conservation activities at the site. The data were collected by the field survey and interview at Nglanggeran village. The data is analyzed by descriptive analysis. The result shows the village create its characteristic strategy to conserve the geoheritage through tourism based on its local resource combined with the concept of Community-based conservation (CBC) adopting from ASEAN Community Based Tourism (CBT) Standard. Nglanggeran stakeholder was able to meet the standard, especially in Standards for conserving natural resources and Standards for conservation activities to improve the environment. The community-based conservation can contribute to the objectives of Agenda 21 at the local scale, highlighting the potential for interaction between socioeconomic development and conservation of the geoheritage natural environment. The community-based conservation is a starting point for tourism to preserve geoheritage through involving and raising public awareness of local communities.

Community Participation and Preferences Regarding Conservation and Development Policies in China’s Giant Panda Nature Reserves

Community participation in conservation activities is an important mechanism to coordinate the conflicts between conservation and local development. Hence, it is necessary to understand farmers’ preferences for different conservation and development policies. By surveying households residing inside and outside the four giant panda nature reserves in the Qinling Mountains, China, in 2018, this study uses a choice experiment model to evaluate participation willingness and stated preferences regarding the establishment of national parks (NPs), ecotourism development, ecological public welfare forest compensation, and provision of ecological jobs. Our results suggest that these conservation and development policies all have a positive impact on community participation in conservation. Among the different conservation and development policies, farmers seem to prefer the government developing ecotourism most, followed by providing ecological jobs, establishing NPs, and finally the compensation amount and period of ecological public welfare forests. Moreover, farmers with different characteristics have different preferences regarding conservation and development policies. Age, education level, whether the respondent is a village cadre, family forestland area, family income, and whether the respondent lives in a nature reserve are relevant socio-economic characteristics of the affected farmers.

Economic benefits of natural tourism: driving community’s participation for conservation in Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia

Natural tourism development is expected to provide added value for ecological and economic aspects of protected areas. Natural tourism activities can generate revenue which can be allocated for conservation as well as provide economic benefits for local communities. With the proviso that tourism activities still benefit communities’ economy, then it possibly will increase their awareness and participation in conservation activities. This research aims to determine the contribution of tourism activities for households’ economy and national park management. Particularly, the contribution of Halimun Salak National Park tourism household income sharing, total household expenses, as well as stakeholder perception related to the conservation at HSNP. The results determine the economic benefits of natural tourism for the community. 66% of local household income was generated from natural tourism and tourism income meets 91% of household expenditure of local communities. Tourism activities could driving community’s participation for conservation in Halimun Salak National Park due to their economic dependencies on tourism.

The Big Tuskers of Tsavo: highlighting the importance of the Big Tusker Project in Kenya's Tsavo Conservation Area

Tsavo Trust is an action‐orientated, field‐based, not‐for‐profit conservation organization headquartered in Tsavo, Kenya. In association with Kenya Wildlife Service and other partners, Tsavo Trust utilizes a unique strategy to work on direct wildlife‐conservation projects. Tsavo Trust also engages with specific local communities in the stewardship of conservancies, in order to encourage participation in conservation activities that benefit the marginalized people who live on the border of the formal Protected Area. Tsavo Trust recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation, using a combination of professional wildlife conservation activities, grass‐roots community engagement, valued partnerships and committed supporters to create a virtuous circle for the protection of Tsavo. The mission is to conserve the vast wilderness of the Tsavo Conservation Area, which encompasses Kenya's biggest Protected Area, and is home to Kenya's largest elephant population, including several iconic ‘Tuskers’, and numerous high‐value species. Tsavo Conservation Area is one of the few truly wild places with significant wildlife left in Africa. This national heritage is under threat and faces multiple challenges, including wildlife crime, climate change and habitat loss. At the time of writing, the Tsavo elephant population contains eight bull ‘Tuskers’ and five iconic cow ‘Tuskers’, as well as c. 26 younger bulls that may emerge as ‘Tuskers’ in the next 5 years. Tsavo Trust's work focuses on four core programmes: ‘Wildlife Conservation Program: Big Tusker Project’, ‘Community Conservancy Program’, ‘Animal Welfare Program’ and ‘Conservation Partnerships’. Through the Big Tusker Project, Tsavo Trust, in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service, provides extra protection for the last ‘Super Tuskers’ of Tsavo using aerial surveillance and mobile ground‐based units.

Biodiversity conservation at Betung Kerihun National Park: the positive role of customary law in mitigating a local community trust deficit

Areas rich in bio-cultural diversity, such as national parks, are in growing demand as nature-based tourism destinations, and have the potential to maximize the benefits of nature-based tourism for conservation. Various studies have demonstrated the essential role of social capital in the successful management of such parks. This paper similarly identified this key variable in efforts to enhance Betung Kerihun National Park as a protected area; however, an additional dynamic was found here to be crucially important. Trust is usually cited as the main component of social capital in effective sustainable area management. Data were collected through interviews, field observation and literature study. Interviews were conducted using convenience sampling technique. The research found that the level of trust evinced by the local community towards the national park authority was influenced by the access granted the former to the park’s natural resources. Limitations on access, especially to resources important to local culture, (often governed by customary law), had significantly reduced that level of trust. However, the research also found that customary laws, as embodied in social norms, could have a positive impact on community participation in conservation activities, despite the reduced level of trust. The major conclusion of this research was that customary law, as a constituent of social norms, was a more important determining factor than trust, in the success of biodiversity conservation at Betung Kerihun National Park. The indigenous people perceived the national park as an entity deserving of care and respect, rather than just a resource; giving them a sense of place attachment towards the park and its resources. These results suggest that understanding complex social dynamics of a given situation and respect for customary law are effective ways to boost community empowerment as part of biodiversity conservation and the destination governance of Betung Kerihun National Park.

Assessing Local Indigenous Knowledge and Information Sources on Biodiversity, Conservation and Protected Area Management at Khuvsgol Lake National Park, Mongolia

Indigenous knowledge about biodiversity and conservation is valuable and can be used to sustainably manage protected areas; however, indigenous communities continue to be marginalized due to the belief that their values and behaviors do not align with the overarching mission of conservation. This paper explores the extent of local knowledge and awareness of biodiversity, conservation and protected area management of indigenous communities at Khuvsgol Lake National Park, Mongolia. We investigate current levels of biodiversity awareness and explore perceptions toward conservation values and park management governance. Most respondents had a high awareness of existing biodiversity and held positive attitudes toward nature conservation and protected areas; however, insufficient knowledge of park rules and low levels of trust between local residents and park authorities may undermine conservation objectives in the long run. We identify an unequal share of economic benefits from tourism and preferential treatment toward elite business owners as a source of conflict. Limited information channels and poor communication between local residents and park authorities are also a source for low-level participation in conservation activities. Leveraging the increasing use of information communication technology, such as mobile phones, can serve as a new mechanism for improved information sharing and transparent reporting between local communities, conservationists and protected area authorities.

The Relationship Between Volunteer Motivations and Variation in Frequency of Participation in Conservation Activities.

Environmental conservation activities such as biodiversity and natural resource management are supported by many eager volunteers in many countries. Because it takes a great deal of time and effort to train new members, volunteer programs are important for preventing the burnout of volunteers and maintaining their motivations to participate. This study explored whether motivations that inspire the future frequency of participation, which volunteers prefer, differ depending on the previous frequency of participation in conservation activities. Online surveys were chosen as the primary social research method to collect the relevant data, and 1500 responses were obtained from Japanese citizens who had participated in conservation activities. The findings suggest that improvement of personal physical well-being can have an influence on the variation in frequency of participation in the episodic group that participates only about once a year. The results also indicate that improvement of personal mental well-being and well-being for a local community can have an influence on the variation in frequency of participation in the irregular group that participates about every 2 months. Additionally, this study shows that interaction with other people and enjoyment of cultural services from ecosystems can have an influence on the variation in frequency of participation in many groups including the regular group that participates every month. These results represent valuable information that can be used as a reference for conducting conservation programs aimed at encouraging people to learn about nature conservation and interact with others to improve their local community.

Conservation Subdivision: Post-Construction Phase—Creating Signs to Educate Residents

Installing educational signs is one way to increase awareness and participation in conservation activities. This 6-page fact sheet explains how to create educational signs and install them in residential neighborhoods as a way to inform residents about biodiversity conservation. The fact sheet, one of the UF/IFAS Conservation Subdivision series, explains how to design effective signs, how to manage a series of signs to keep the information fresh, and how to maintain the signs to ensure that residents and visitors to the community continue to benefit and maintain their homes, yards, and neighborhoods sustainably for years to come. Written by Mark Hostetler and published by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, January 2016. WEC362/UW407: Conservation Subdivision: Post-Construction Phase—Creating Signs to Educate Residents (ufl.edu)

緑地保全活動での広域ボランティアコーディネートが活動団体と参加希望者に与える影響

The public currently requires building a coordination system for forming a relationship between volunteer organizations and citizens who want to volunteer. The purpose of this study was to develop a coordinating style of a wide range for green space conservation activities and to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of such. As a case study, we chose the “Rangers Project,” which is a coordination system between Topic Type Individuals (individuals who are interested in the general topic of the environment) and Specific Green Space Conservation Type Organizations (organizations that are interested in the conservation of specific green spaces) in the Kanto area. We analyzed the coordinating style of a wide range by conducting interview and questionnaire surveys regarding the three subjects of local green space conservation activity organizations, volunteer leaders, and participants in the “Rangers Project.” In addition, we also compared the other existing participation styles with the coordinating style of a wide range. The coordinating style of a wide range for conservation activity restored local organizations’ confidences in themselves and improved their activity contents to engage with new members better. Moreover, the coordinating style promoted beginners’ participation in conservation activities.

Assessing Public Perception on Protected Areas in Iron Gates Natural Park

Iron Gates Natural Park, situated in the south-western part of Romania is protected for its remarkable landscape, high biological diversity and unique habitats. The paper assesse the public perception on protected areas in Iron Gates Natural Park and explore perceptions of local residents and local authorities’ attitudes towards protected areas and conservation activities. Most respondents held a positive attitude towards protected areas and the analysis of their attitudes and perceptions revealed potential conflicts that might affect biodiversity conservation and protected area management. The main problems are the limited knowledge and a poor communication with authorities which implies a lack of local participation in conservation activities. Based on our studies, some recommendations are given for improvement of Iron Gates Natural Park management due to the importance of the local community involvement in conservation activities.

An analysis of willingness to pay for community-based conservation activities at the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex, Nepal

Wetlands comprise an important ecosystem but are under threat in developing countries due to increasing human encroachment. Community-based conservation is an approach for sustainable management of the wetlands near settlements. This study investigated willingness to pay of local people for community-based conservation activities and the variables affecting it in the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex, Nepal. A sample of 217 households residing near the lake complex was surveyed. The result showed that households were willing to pay for community-based conservation activities, at an average of NPR 378 (US$5.4) per annum. The age of the household head, wetland income, agricultural income and prior experiences on participation in conservation activities positively affected household’s willingness to pay. Government expenditure of at least the amount of willingness to pay estimated by this study for the community-based conservation activities would be economically and environmentally justified.

Factors influencing public participation in conservation activities in urban areas: A case study in Yokohama, Japan

The long-term success of conservation projects, particularly in urban areas, often depends on local buy-in and participation. However, it can be difficult to recruit local residents to participate in community-based management. Here we use an urban conservation project in Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan, as a case study to examine the factors associated with the willingness of residents to participate in five different conservation-related activities. We aimed to understand important factors that consist urban environmental stewardship and civic ecology in an Asian culture; Japan. Our survey of residents suggests that participation was related to an individual’s expectation that participating in the conservation activity would enhance social interactions among residents, their belief that the urban area lacked adequate “green” habitat features, such as gardens and other plantings, and their sense of responsibility to maintain the quality of the environment. Additionally, younger residents were more willing to participate than older residents. Our results suggest that emphasizing social interactions in conservation activities and highlighting the need for and social and aesthetic benefits of conservation improvements could enhance participation in these conservation activities. Particular motivating factors may vary from place to place, particularly across cultural boundaries, but some factors appear to be general across cultures. In cultures that emphasize collective responsibility and action, such as in Japan, it may be important to foster residents’ sense that it is their responsibility to conserve the natural environment. We believe that greater understanding of the interests and motivation of the public to participate in conservation projects will enhance their efficacy.

Structure démographique et mouvements saisonniers des populations d'hippopotame commun, Hippopotamus amphibius Linné 1758 dans la zone sud soudanienne du Burkina faso

L'étude de l'effectif, de la structure en classes d'âges et des mouvements de Hippopotamus amphibius a été conduite dans la Réserve de Biosphère de la Mare aux Hippopotames au Burkina Faso. Pendant 3 années d'affilée (2006, 2007 et 2008), des prospections et des inventaires de terrain ont été menés à l'intérieur et à la lisière de la réserve. Les résultats des inventaires ont permis de dénombrer 41 hippopotames en 2008 contre 35 tětes en 2006, répartis en 3 troupeaux distincts. La structure en classes d'âges de cette population était de 32 adultes, 5 subadultes et 4 juvéniles. L'emplacement de leurs aires de repos dans la mare variait suivant le niveau de l'eau. L'inventaire a identifié 8 sites de sorties, sur chaque rive de la mare, utilisées par les hippopotames pour se rendre dans les gagnages. De měme, la prospection de la réserve a identifié 4 mares temporaires situées à proximité des prairies aquatiques qui constituaient des zones de migration où les hippopotames se réfugiaient pendant la saison pluvieuse. Ces zones étaient entourées par des champs qui étaient souvent saccagés par ces mammifères pour leur alimentation. Il est urgent de négocier un zonage de l'activité agricole et de conférer un statut particulier de conservation à ces 4 sites afin de minimiser les conflits homme-hippopotame. Les récentes actions de surveillance menées en partenariat avec les communautés locales ont probablement permis l'accroissement de l'effectif de 6 hippopotames en 3 ans.

Resource use conflicts in Mabini and Tingloy, the Philippines

Abstract This paper presents the results of an analysis of resource use conflicts in areas near marine protected areas in Mabini–Tingloy, the Philippines. The author found large differences between groups of stakeholders in terms of perceived benefits and costs of conservation and tourism, and these inequalities have led to conflicts between various stakeholder groups. Marked by unequal power relationships, the conflicts place subsistence fishers as the weakest stakeholders. Fishers also have the lowest rates of knowledge of and participation in conservation activities. The study concludes that in order for conservation programs to be effectively transitioned onto the social and legal fabric of Mabini–Tingloy, resource use conflicts need immediate attention.

The Spaces of Conservation and Development around Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Geographically or sociologically defined resource management units, such as buffer zones or community resource management territories, seek to harmonize local land–use practices with protected–area management objectives. The geographically restricted nature of these models often results in simplistic representations of society–nature relations over time and space. Conservation areas are misrepresented as ecologically and socially homogeneous, as well as politically neutral. This study examines the limits of a spatially defined conservation and development project designed around the physical geographical unit of the watershed at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. It argues that politically motivated violence that has plagued the area since the early 1990s has severely undermined the suitability of such narrowly defined conservation territories. Specifically, the case study points to the permeability of the Lake Nakuru watershed to national and regional political forces that ultimately constrain participation in conservation activities. The spaces of conservation and development must be enlarged to include these extralocal arenas and processes if environmental problems are to be effectively addressed.