| European
Tropical Forest Research Network |
LOCAL PEOPLE AND LOCAL BENEFITS IN INTEGRATED BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: A CASE STUDY FROM RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK, MADAGASCAR
By Maija Kaisa Korhonen
The basic idea behind integrated conservation and development projects is to integrate development (usually by compensation) and conservation, with a view to reconciling nature conservation and local people's livelihood needs. Our study presents the case of Ranomafana National Park (RNP) which was established as an integrated conservation and development project. The aim of our study is to clarify the concept of 'local people' in a conservation context and how they are affected by, or benefit from, integrated conservation and development projects.
Local people have been the target of conservation and development activities, but each actor (local authorities, local elite, NGOs and various farmers groups) perceive the benefits and justifications of the project in their own way. All actors defend their own interests and control over natural resources. The aim of this study is to show how these different actors and the social relations and unequal distribution of power between them have shaped the way the 'forest' and 'local people' in Ranomafana are conceptually constructed.
Those who can apply for compensation within ICDPs, but also face restrictions in their identity and livelihoods as a result of conservation efforts should be considered as 'local people', 'target group' or 'beneficiaries'. These 'local people' differ, however, with respect to ethnicity, gender, place of living, wealth, social position and the social pressure they face in relation to natural resource use. Preliminary outcomes show that in the name of biodiversity conservation, various segments of the local population lost their right to use forest resources, hence their source of livelihood. Many adverse effects were generated as a result of unequal power relations, weak institutions to control the conservation and development activities and a lack of commitment to the idea that conservation objectives should be reconciled with the rights of local communities to a decent livelihood.
Further information:
Kaisa Korhonen
Department of Social Policy/ Development Studies
P.O.Box 18
FIN-00014 University of Helsinki
Finland
E-mail: maija.korhonen@helsinki.fi