EXPLORING COMMUNITY SATISFACTION IN PARK MANAGEMENT: INSIGHTS FROM PROTECTED AREAS IN MYANMAR

Abstract

Positive relations between local people and protected and conserved area (PA) authorities are important for effective and equitable conservation. Such relations, however, are often strained. Therefore, in this study we explore the heterogeneity in satisfaction in park management amongst people living near to five PAs in Myanmar. Specifically, we examined how a diverse set of predictor variables relate to satisfaction in park management. Of all respondents, 2 per cent perceived park management to be very poor, 17 per cent considered it poor, 73 per cent considered it good, and 8 per cent considered it very good. Level of satisfaction in community involvement in conservation associated most strongly with satisfaction in park management, followed by satisfaction in community benefits from conservation activities. The extent to which park management and rangers were seen to treat communities with respect both related strongly and positively to level of satisfaction in park management. Experience of human- wildlife conflict had a negative association with satisfaction in park management. Finally, perceived alignment between conservation regulations and community values had a positive relationship with satisfaction in park management. Our findings highlight the importance of community involvement in and benefit from conservation activities in Myanmar, as well as the significance of park rangers and overall management treating local communities with respect.