The forgotten resource: Community perspectives on conservation and well - being in Zahamena National Park, Madagascar

Abstract

This research examines local perceptions of social well - being in two forest - dependent communities near Zahamena National Park (ZNP), Madagascar. Key informant interviews were con- ducted to observe how local context, including community and ecological factors, influenced perceptions of social well - being. Overall, residents expressed a broad sense of decreased well- being as local forest resource access changed following the creation of ZNP. While one community was more dependent on forest and non - timber forest products for their livelihood, both communities believed lack of access to the park and its resources negatively affected local social well - being. Further, both communities felt ZNP provided few benefits to local resi- dents. In addition, informants alluded to a sense of distrust of conservation managers and believed their needs and concerns were neither heard nor addressed by current conservation pro- grams. Such data confirm people living in rural communities adjacent to protected areas have limited impact on conserva- tion policies and initiatives on the island. Implications of this research suggest a reassessment of institutional conservation policy and practices to reflect locally held social traditions and community beliefs about conservation.