Role of Co-management Organizations in Protected Area Governance: Some Observations from the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary

Abstract

The role of co-management in changing paradigms is very much a political process. This new framework can facilitate and enable greater local community engagement and institutional development. The positive outcomes of the co-management practice in Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh are the primary grounding of the concept that managed to create zeal among stakeholders and the formation of legitimate local institutions. Initial enthusiasm was created with the initial involvement of the community in Co-management Council and Co-management Committee and was regarded as socially uplifting. The principles of participatory governance are also reasonably well reflected in legal and policy frameworks. However, the concept is still facing challenges in ensuring tenure rights, devolution of power, sustainable livelihood and active community participation in governance. Inadequacies in legal and policy frameworks, weak capacity building and livelihood support, a lack of motivation by the Forest Department in owning the concept and rapid expansion without sustainable financial mechanism are the main shortcomings of the governance of PA management. The critical issue raised during interviews with relevant stakeholders was the failure to implement prescriptions and plans developed for the better management of the Sanctuary. Lack of responsibility both from community and PA authorities was significant and the probable reason is the lack of efforts in owning the concept.