Community-Based Conservation (CBC) refers to wildlife conservation efforts that involve rural people as an integral part of a wildlife conservation policy. In Africa and specifically in Cameroon, there have been changes in state policies towards natural resources management particularly forest resources. This study deals basically on Cameroon, with national forest cover of over 42% which constitutes one of its major economic resources. Since 1995, a new forest policy act was enacted (proclaimed in 1994) to accommodate two approaches, that is, Community Forestry and sustainable forest management. Conserving and enhancing biodiversity through rural peoples’ involvement was one of the components of the new forest policy act of 1995. The study analyses the conditions under which the CBC policies can be successfully implemented in Cameroon, with the case of the Korup National Park (KNP) and its support zone and the former Korup Project (KP). It also investigates the interest and the relationship of the different stakeholders concerned, especially the local community.
The thesis uses three hypotheses (which are limited to CBC), semi-structured questionnaires and secondary data to test or investigate successful policy implementation in the KNP by analysing, (i) the role the local communities, (ii) the international environmental NGOs and groups played in the former Korup Project (1988-2003) and (iii) the level of biodiversity conservation and rural development in the Korup Project Area (KPA). The study was carried out in the southern sector of the KNP with a simple-random sampling of 78 respondents out of 11 villages of the 32 villages in and around the National Park.
The results indicate: (i) low participation of the local communities in the Integrated Conservation and Development Project (ICDP) and later joint participatory biodiversity conservation and rural development approach of the KP, (ii) a difficult relationship between the international stakeholders and the local communities, and (iii) a temporary success in biodiversity conservation and a failure in rural development.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Biodiversity Conservation Management in Cameroon
- The Korup National Park
- Methodology
- Results and Discussions
- Socioeconomic Situation of the Sampled Villages
- Biodiversity Conservation Efforts in the Korup National Park
- Community Participation in Biodiversity Conservation
- Challenges and Opportunities for Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation
- Recommendations and Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis investigates the effectiveness of community-based biodiversity conservation management in the Korup National Park in Cameroon. It aims to understand the relationship between biodiversity conservation and community development in the context of this protected area.- Community participation in biodiversity conservation
- Socioeconomic factors influencing conservation practices
- The role of local communities in managing protected areas
- Challenges and opportunities for sustainable conservation initiatives
- The impact of conservation on community livelihoods
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the study's background, research questions, and objectives. It highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation in Cameroon and the role of community involvement in achieving these goals.
- Biodiversity Conservation Management in Cameroon: This chapter delves into the national and international policies and frameworks guiding biodiversity conservation in Cameroon. It discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with managing protected areas in a developing country context.
- The Korup National Park: This chapter presents a detailed description of the Korup National Park, its biodiversity, and its ecological significance. It examines the park's history, management structure, and the surrounding communities.
- Methodology: This chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, and sampling techniques employed in the study. It describes the socioeconomic surveys conducted in the villages surrounding the park and the data analysis methods used.
- Results and Discussions: This chapter presents the findings of the study, analyzing the socioeconomic situation of the sampled villages, the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the Korup National Park, the level of community participation, and the challenges and opportunities for community-based biodiversity conservation.
- Socioeconomic Situation of the Sampled Villages: This sub-section explores the economic activities, livelihoods, and resource dependence of the communities living in the support zone of the Korup National Park.
- Biodiversity Conservation Efforts in the Korup National Park: This sub-section examines the conservation management practices implemented in the park, including anti-poaching measures, forest patrols, and awareness campaigns.
- Community Participation in Biodiversity Conservation: This sub-section investigates the level of community involvement in conservation activities, their perceptions of the park's management, and their benefits from conservation programs.
- Challenges and Opportunities for Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation: This sub-section analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with community-based conservation in the Korup National Park, including issues of land tenure, access to resources, and conflict resolution.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This study focuses on community-based biodiversity conservation, protected area management, community development, rural livelihoods, participatory conservation, Korup National Park, Cameroon. It explores the complex relationship between local communities and protected areas, emphasizing the need for sustainable and equitable conservation practices.- Citar trabajo
- Yufanyi Movuh Mbolo (Autor), 2007, Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation Management , Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/111762
