Local people and conservation officials’ perceptions on relationships and conflicts in South African protected areas

• Main Authors: Gladman Thondhlana, Georgina Cundill
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2017-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management
• Subjects: Protected areas; conservation; biodiversity; relationships; conflicts
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2017.1315742

Protected areas (PAs) are often conflict-ridden, but conflict resolution mechanisms are often constrained by little appreciation of the perceptions of the principal agents (PA managers and local communities) about such conflicts. Getting local people’s support in PA management efforts is considered important for achieving conservation and livelihood goals. Using data from 13 nature reserves in South Africa, this study explores the perceptions of reserve managers and local communities about their relationships and the existence and underlying causes of conflicts. The findings showed sharp contrasts in perceptions between reserve managers and local communities. Reserve managers generally perceived that there were no conflicts with local communities and that their relationship with them was positive while local communities thought otherwise, claiming conflicts were centred around restricted access to PAs, lack of benefits from PAs and communication problems. These findings have profound implications for conservation, especially considering the importance of getting local people’s support in PA management.EDITED BY Isabelle Durance