Search

Realising behavioural change in long invested environmental practices is often difficult to achieve, especially when scientific understanding of the issues is still unfolding. Having confidence in one’s action requires knowledge that actions will be effective in improving environmental outcomes. Currently, we know little about the role of social trust in mediating complex and uncertain knowledge of environmental problems and the required actions needed to address them. In this quantitative study, we surveyed 472 users of endangered kauri forests in New Zealand to better explore the role of trust in relation to pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) designed to mitigate effects of the devastating plant disease, kauri dieback. Findings show uncertainty about the scientific knowledge of the issue, recommended actions and efficacy of proposed solutions significantly influenced PEB for both residents and visitors of forests; however, this relationship was partially mediated by trust, particularly among locals residing within 5 km of infected forest areas. These findings indicate the need for closer engagement with local residents to develop institutional and scientific trust in kauri dieback interventions. We outline activities that may help build trust and recommend new areas of research to support higher compliance with environmental protection initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective approaches are needed to conserve the planet's remaining wildlife and wilderness landscapes, especially concerning global biodiversity conservation targets. Here, we present a new software system called EarthRanger: an open‐source platform built to help monitor, research and manage ecosystems.EarthRanger consists of seven main components (Core Server, API, Storage, Gundi, Web App, Mobile App, Ecoscope) that provide functionality for data (i) aggregation & collection, (ii) storage & management, (iii) real‐time and post hoc analysis, (iv) visualisation and (v) dissemination. The mobile application provides field‐based data recording and visualisation tools. EarthRanger may be deployed for single project use or can aggregate across multiple geographies as a centralised hub. EarthRanger can be used to collect standardised tracking data (e.g. from wildlife collars, vehicles and ranger patrols) and configurable event information (e.g. a singular recording with associated user‐defined attribute information such as a wildlife sighting or encounter with a poacher).Since development began in 2015, the platform has (at the time of writing) been deployed at over 500 sites across 70 countries and with myriad configurations and objectives. EarthRanger has improved the ability to monitor data feeds and manage conservation‐related operations in real time. For instance, the deployment of EarthRanger by African Parks has led to the removal of over 50,000 snares, steady population growth of key species of concern and near cessation of poaching. In Liwonde's protected area, enhanced mitigation efforts supported by EarthRanger reduced the number of deaths from wildlife conflict by more than 91%. EarthRanger is also providing a platform to enhance standardisation, aggregation, transfer and long‐term storage of ecological information and promote collaboration between groups conducting protected area management and ecology and biodiversity research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Effective approaches are needed to conserve the planet's remaining wildlife and wilderness landscapes, especially concerning global biodiversity conservation targets. Here, we present a new software system called EarthRanger: an open‐source platform built to help monitor, research and manage ecosystems. EarthRanger consists of seven main components (Core Server, API, Storage, Gundi, Web App, Mobile App, Ecoscope) that provide functionality for data (i) aggregation & collection, (ii) storage & management, (iii) real‐time and post hoc analysis, (iv) visualisation and (v) dissemination. The mobile application provides field‐based data recording and visualisation tools. EarthRanger may be deployed for single project use or can aggregate across multiple geographies as a centralised hub. EarthRanger can be used to collect standardised tracking data (e.g. from wildlife collars, vehicles and ranger patrols) and configurable event information (e.g. a singular recording with associated user‐defined attribute information such as a wildlife sighting or encounter with a poacher). Since development began in 2015, the platform has (at the time of writing) been deployed at over 500 sites across 70 countries and with myriad configurations and objectives. EarthRanger has improved the ability to monitor data feeds and manage conservation‐related operations in real time. For instance, the deployment of EarthRanger by African Parks has led to the removal of over 50,000 snares, steady population growth of key species of concern and near cessation of poaching. In Liwonde's protected area, enhanced mitigation efforts supported by EarthRanger reduced the number of deaths from wildlife conflict by more than 91%. EarthRanger is also providing a platform to enhance standardisation, aggregation, transfer and long‐term storage of ecological information and promote collaboration between groups conducting protected area management and ecology and biodiversity research.

Nomadic pastoralism is still practiced by around one-third of the Mongolian population. Recent socio-economic constraints have challenged pastoral livelihoods and rising livestock numbers threaten overall rangeland health and biodiversity conservation. In the Mongolian Gobi, herder households fully depend on livestock production but little is known about their livelihood trends and potential compatibility with protected area goals. We combined interview data in the Great Gobi B strictly protected area (SPA) with secondary data on regional and national herder households to determine the importance of social networks, willingness to continue a herding lifestyle, and degree of involvement in protected area (PA) management. Our descriptive data confirm that herding is no longer centred on a subsistence lifestyle but rather around cashmere production. Contrary to sustainability goals, especially in protected areas, herder households continue to increase livestock numbers in response to high expenditures in the economic reality of a market economy. We conclude that herders in the Great Gobi B SPA are reaching neither socio-economically nor ecologically sustainable livestock numbers which challenge herders' livelihoods and PA management alike. We recommend enhancing communication between the PA management and the herding community and increasing participatory conservation activities. National strategies are needed to resolve the current dilemma of increasing livestock numbers to meet livelihood demands and the growing threat to rangeland health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is commonly introduced or encouraged in rural areas of developing countries to improve local livelihoods and enhance conservation. While understanding resultant shifts in residents' attitudes are important for effective management, there is scant longitudinal knowledge. This study investigated residents' attitudes to the environment, protected area management, and tourism through a longitudinal mixed-method study from 2011 to 2020 in an Iranian rural village during early tourism stages. Quantitative and qualitative primary data were collected through surveys of residents, interviews with government officials and the village leader, and observations combined with secondary data collected over the nine-year period. This study specifically tested, and confirmed, that residents' attitudes to the environment and protected area management must be measured separately. As attitudes to the environment and its management are commonly combined, this is the first study to measure residents' attitudes to protected area management longitudinally. The findings revealed no significant shift in residents' attitudes to the environment but a significant positive shift regarding protected area management. Also tested were residents' attitudes to tourism, which were initially positive and shifted to be more positive. Finally, this study demonstrated significant negative environmental impacts, and an attitude-behaviour gap, which provide theoretical and practical contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Outdoor recreationists might intentionally or unintentionally disturb birds or other wildlife. To better understand the unintended disturbance by mountain hikers of golden eagle breeding sites in a Norwegian national park, we studied hikers' willingness to accept measures to reduce their disturbance. Most of the hikers indicated that they were willing to change behaviors to avoid disturbing wildlife (or eagle breeding). By investigating the basic values towards wildlife among the hikers (e.g., to what extent they prioritized human interests over those of wildlife), we showed that people who cared more for wildlife tended to accept stricter measures and were more willing to change their behaviors. If the hikers had known beforehand that they could disturb wildlife, it is likely that many would have avoided the trip in periods of eagle breeding. Yet, there were some differences depending on peoples' values. Having knowledge of peoples' wildlife value orientations is therefore useful when aiming to manage human–wildlife interactions more sustainably. Wildlife value orientations (WVOs) are useful for gaining knowledge about how humans' relationship to nature, wildlife, and management differs between groups in society. Our study investigated the level of acceptance for the implementation of measures to avoid the disturbance of golden eagles among hikers with different WVOs. Our results indicated differences between WVO typologies regarding how they assessed the consequences of outdoor recreation on nature and wildlife, as well as measures to manage human traffic. These findings contributed to confirming our hypotheses that peoples' WVOs have an impact on how people assess wildlife and the natural environment, and that WVOs affect the acceptance of management measures. This study concluded that identifying and studying visitors' WVOs contributes to understanding the underlying dimensions that influence peoples' attitudes and behavior. WVOs has not been studied in a Norwegian context previously, and this study contributes new knowledge that is useful for managing human–wildlife relations in more sustainable ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Human–elephant conflict is a growing global problem. To mitigate such conflict, understanding factors affecting elephant intrusions into human-dominated areas is crucial. These factors are, however, complex because they are site specific and context dependent. Aims: This study aimed to identify factors associated with crop damage incidents from elephants in a buffer zone of a protected area in western Thailand. Methods: Interviews were conducted with local people to quantify crop damage by elephants between November 2020 to April 2021. We used compositional analysis to determine whether different crop types received different damage from elephants, and logistic regression analysis to examine environmental factors associated with crop damage incidents. Key results: Although it was previously thought that elephants focus on dominant palatable crops, we found that small patches of highly preferred crops can influence where elephants choose to feed. Distance from village was also a significant factor in crop foraging. Crop damage was not different between dry and wet seasons, probably because key crops were available year-round. Conclusions: Crop damage occurred across multiple crop types but mainly those with higher sugar content. The damage mostly occurred in fields farther from villages, suggesting that presence of humans may alter elephant crop foraging. No specific seasonal period of crop damage was observed. Implications: Changing crop types from species preferred by elephants to less preferred species and growing mixed species (multi-crop systems) instead of single species (mono-crops) may reduce elephant incursions. However, this needs field testing, including market-based assessments to evaluate the economic viability for farmers. Human–elephant conflicts occur frequently across countries within the elephant species range, but solutions remain elusive and are probably site-specific. In our study in western Thailand, pineapple received the most damage. Plantations further away from villages and those with larger areas of corn (an elephant-preferred crop) were associated with more crop damage. Based on local experience, planting multiple crops less preferred by elephants may reduce conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting conservation research and establishing protected areas (PAs) based on research results are critical to biodiversity conservation. However, the effect of research and PAs on conservation of threatened species has rarely been evaluated simultaneously. We collected data on PAs from 2000 for 2021 and determined the number of publications on global primates (published from 1950 to 2021) to assess the effect of PAs, research, and biological and socioeconomic factors on the current International Union for Conservation of Nature endangered status and change in status. We used the MCMCglmm package to conduct a phylogenetic comparative analysis to control the phylogenetic relationship of primate species. The status of 24.6% (82 of 333) of species assessed at least twice declined. Only the black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) had an improved status. Species with status declines mostly occurred on the south coast of West Africa and in Madagascar. PAs covered 22.1% of each species’ range. Forest loss in PAs (5.5%) was significantly lower than forest loss within 5 km outside PAs (13.8%), suggesting PAs effectively mitigated forest loss. Both the median number of total publications and conservation publications on critically endangered species were higher than those of other categories. Models showed that PA coverage and number of publications or conservation‐focused publications were not related to current status or change in status over time. A decline in status was not related to creation of PAs or increase of research since the last assessment. Our results suggest that current PAs and research are not reversing the extinction crisis of global primates. Doing more conservation‐oriented research, strengthening management of current PAs, and expanding PAs will be needed to protect primates globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas management is usually confronted with conflicting interests from various stakeholders and would, therefore, entail a search for a rational compromise. The Masungi Georeserve in Rizal Province, which is part of the 26,125.84 hectares that comprise the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL), captures the challenges inherent in environmental conflict resolution. This paper analyzes the situation in the Masungi Georeserve using a political ecological lens, particularly applying Michel Foucault’s theory of governmentality and James Scott’s theory of legibility. It is found that attempts of the State to enable governmentality and legibility have further contributed to the conflict. The main goal of the paper is to offer a framework for resolving the conflict that would serve the best interests of all stakeholders, even as it is also the best option for optimizing the ecological services provided by the Masungi Georeserve. The paper argues that the state’s legibility and governmentality projects have provided a less enabling landscape for environmental protection and offers Cullen’s theory of transitional governmentality as an alternative theoretical framework that could be used in imagining a solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is one of the most severe hazards to the world's forests, causing massive biodiversity loss and alterations in various ecosystems. Weather and climatic conditions, terrain properties, fire-inducing agents, and anthropogenic variables can trigger forest fires. Multiple studies have shown that in India, anthropogenic activity is the most common cause of forest fires, with the spread and extent determined mainly by the severity of the weather. We used the generalized linear mixed model to identify the drivers behind forest fire occurrences within Rajaji and Corbett tiger reserves in the northern Indian Terai Arc landscape. These two tiger reserves are spanning in a large area of the lower Shivalik Himalayas and share similar bio-geography, climates, and topography. We used 22 variables as drivers of forest fires for our analysis and found significant differences in the drivers of forest fires in Rajaji and Corbett, Tiger Reserves. Both the reserves' topographic and climatic conditions contribute to fire incidents rather than anthropogenic factors. Though anthropogenic pressure is responsible mainly for forest fires triggering globally, other natural conditions can still ignite forest fires under favorable climatic conditions and the availability of dry leaf litter. Identifying the drivers of fires in the targeted habitat or landscape is essential for controlling and managing large-scale fire incidents. Our results will help the concerned authorities frame the fire management protocol for larger landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) in the high seas has focussed on identifying concentrations of indicator species and prohibiting the operation of bottom‐contact fishing gears where those occur in significant concentrations. Most such species have planktonic larvae and depend on dispersal networks for inter‐generational persistence. Yet, connectivity amongst patches of VME has seldom been considered when spatial management measures are introduced. Here, the relative importance of individual patches for the maintenance of their connectivity networks is evaluated, and a prioritization scheme for management action is proposed. Effective conservation measures should maintain approximately natural network configurations whenever possible. Location: Grand Bank and Flemish Cap, Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Methods: 3‐D Lagrangian particle tracking was used to model larval dispersal connections between known patches of each of seven groups of benthic invertebrate taxa, previously recognized as indicators of VME. Connectivity networks were constructed and the effects of habitat loss simulated by systematic removal of whole patches, to determine the importance of each patch to connectivity within its respective network. Results: The various patches differed widely in their contributions to network connectivity. Each taxon group had both some patches that, if removed from the network, would result in a major decline in connectedness but also several which could be lost with negligible consequences for the remainder. Main Conclusions: While protecting each patch of VME has conservation value, the wide variation in connectedness shows that some patches are much more critical than others to the long‐term persistence of the taxa, providing a foundation for prioritization of conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chilean Patagonia is characterized by extensive protected areas that encompass most of the region. Mammals are often among the priorities for these protected areas either as conservation targets (e.g., threatened species) or as threats (e.g., invasive species). Camera traps offer a cost-effective alternative to monitor these species, however baseline studies are scarce in the region. Therefore, our objective was to provide an assessment of camera-trapping detection rates for mammals that are present in protected areas of Magallanes, Chilean Patagonia. Between 2015 and 2022 we installed 278 camera traps (9,936 trap-days), distributed in seven protected areas. For each protected area, we calculated the detection rates and proportion of camera traps that detected each species. We recorded 18 mammalian species, including ten native, four domestic, and four invasive species. The culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) was the most frequently detected species, followed by invasive European hare (Lepus europaeus) and puma (Puma concolor). Endangered species like the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) and southern river otter (Lontra provocax) were detected infrequently, whereas beaver (Castor canadensis) and American mink (Neogale vison) were only recorded in cameras that targeted them. From our data we suggest that generalist monitoring designs are likely to be effective for relatively common species like the culpeo fox. However, when species of interest are associated with specific features of the landscape (e.g., otters and water), other designs are needed. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for the design of camera- trapping monitoring plans in protected areas.

Together with a number of other protected areas, Apuseni Nature Park forms one of the largest continuous protected areas in Romania. The total area comprises 1 nature park, 3 Natura 2000 sites and 55 small protected areas of national interest. The integration of the sites with each other provides the framework to preserve landscapes, natural values and biodiversity, in the context of sustainable development and of increasing the resilience of local communities, by using an adaptative management plan to face social and economic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The movement of wildlife species in the winter and early spring is crucial for their survival and perpetuation, providing necessary resources and reproductive opportunities. Protecting and conserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems in protected areas offer essential measurable ecological benefits. Harghita Mădăraș protected area represents an essential habitat for numerous plant and animal species, playing a crucial role in maintaining regional biodiversity. The diversity of habitats provides optimal conditions for a variety of mammals, including those protected by EU laws, such as the brown bear, wolf, and lynx. Besides its biological value, the Harghita Mădăraș protected area attracts tourists, contributing to the cultural and recreational importance of the region. Mammal inventory, in the Harghita Mădăraș protected area, was conducted from January to March 2024, through the identification of presence signs and direct observations in the field, covering a distance of 77.8 km of transects in different environmental conditions. The collected data were compared with reported figures from hunting grounds overlapping the boundaries of the protected area, and the analysis of the intersections of the territories of inventoried species highlighted the relationship between prey and predator species, considering the average surface areas of their territories. Although coniferous forest habitats dominate in terms of coverage, the number of species and signs of presence identified in the field was significantly lower compared to transitional shrublands, which represent more valuable trophic sources. The transects conducted during the study highlighted that most resting areas were sunny slopes, where these species benefit from richer and more accessible food resources. Distances between signs of presence for the main predator species (wolf, bear, lynx) and the most relevant prey species (red deer, roe deer, wild boar) vary significantly. It’s essential to note that bear signs account for approximately 20% of the total, given the milder winter conditions in terms of temperature and precipitation. Harghita Mădăraș is particularly valuable from a faunal point of view, due to the habitats very little affected by anthropogenic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusive conservation approaches that effectively conserve biodiversity while improving human well-being are gaining traction in the face of the sixth mass extinction of biodiversity. Despite much theorization on the governance of inclusive conservation, empirical research on its practical implementation is urgently needed. Here, using a correlation network analysis and drawing on empirical results from 263 sites described on the web platform of the PANORAMA initiative (IUCN), we inductively identified global clusters of conservation outcomes in protected and conserved areas. These clusters represent five conservation foci or archetypes, namely (i) community-based conservation, (ii) sustainable management, (iii) conflict resolution, (iv) multi-level and co-governance, and (v) environmental protection and nature's contribution to people. Our empirical approach further revealed that some dimensions of inclusive conservation are crucial as leverage points to manage protected areas related to these clusters successfully, namely improvements in the socio-cultural context and social cohesion, enhancing the status and participation of youth, women, and minorities, improved human health, empowerment of local communities, or reestablishment of dialogue and trust. We highlight inclusive interventions such as education and capacity building, development of alliances and partnerships, and enabling sustainable livelihoods, or governance arrangements led by Indigenous peoples and local communities or private actors, as levers to promote positive transformations in the social-ecological systems of protected areas. We argue that although some of the leverage points we identified are less targeted in current protected area management, they can represent powerful areas of intervention to enhance social and ecological outcomes in protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Anthropocene era, securing protected areas (PAs) has become an important strategy to conserve biodiversity and sustain ecosystem services. However, insufficient integration of social aspects in the management of PAs and failure to consider the rights and potential contributions of impacted communities often result in conservation conflicts and unfulfilled biodiversity targets. It is therefore critical to incorporate the requirements and attitudes of local communities in developing conservation strategies for PAs. Additionally, comprehensive studies representing diverse geographical and sociocultural landscapes are needed to better understand people-park interactions. We evaluated how communities' location, sociodemographics, and perceptions of potential benefits influence their attitudes toward PAs and conservation support in Myanmar. We conducted questionnaire surveys with 1099 households in five PAs: Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary, Indawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary, Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary, Natma Taung National Park, and Shwe Set Taw Wildlife Sanctuary. Our results indicate that distance to PA, occupation, gender, and geographical differences significantly influenced attitudes. Most informants relied on PA resources and recognized more benefits than those who did not. Informants with knowledge of or experience with conservation were more willing to contribute to conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-wildlife conflict is considered one of the significant challenges that conservation authorities face in managing protected areas and the surrounding lands. This study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal trends and characteristics of conflicts between rural communities and wild animals in a protected area in northeastern Iran. We collected data on wild animals' attacks on humans and livestock and damages to crops within the Ors-e-Sistan Protected Area (OSPA) and its 5 km buffer zone for 2010–2020 via official reports and questionnaire surveys (n = 373). We found that multiple species-specific and human-related factors determine conflict hotspots in space and time. Wild boars (Sus scrofa), wolves (Canis lupus) and leopards (Panthera pardus saxicolor) were perceived to be responsible for the highest number of attacks on humans and livestock. Wild boars were responsible for more than 90% of attacks on agricultural lands. Hotspots of attacks on livestock were located in the pastures around villages and pastures within the protected area. In contrast, hotspot areas of attacks on humans and damage to crops were located in the orchards and farms of villages on the protected area's northern and southern fringes. Temporal patterns in the variability of conflict revealed that grazing seasons and species' nocturnal behaviors caused more attacks and damages during warm seasons and nights. Conflict hotspots and their temporal clustering, identified in this study, can guide managers to focus mitigation activities in prioritized areas and allocate management resources that reduce conflicts between people and wild animals. The assessment of the type of species and their characteristics, land-use type, and distribution of human settlements is recommended when identifying locations and occasions of conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Small Island Developing State, Cabo Verde, is one of the most important marine biodiverse hotspots in the North Atlantic. One of its national conservation strategies has been the declaration of protected areas, and currently, the country has 47 declared protected areas and only 26 have been fully implemented. The latest protected area, Baía do Inferno e Monte Angra Natural Park, is the first protected area proposed by a civil initiative, and the local people strongly support the declaration of this protected area. Therefore, this study aims to better understand the mechanisms behind strong local support, explore the lessons learned from this case and how it can help improve the implementation of other protected areas in Cabo Verde. We conducted 7 semi-structured interviews with previously identified community leaders and 480 questionnaires with the general population of the local communities. The results show that 78.6% of the questionnaire respondents chose co-management as the desired management model. We also found that non-governmental organizations and local leaders have played a crucial role in sharing knowledge with local populations and helping them to have a critical and informed view about the future implementation of the protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a major concern for protected area management. Managing HWC around protected areas requires structured and replicable processes to reduce subjectivity and promote adherence to good governance principles. The Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) is a widely-used process model for structured decision-making. This study demonstrates the novel application of CRISP-DM to HWC related decision-making. We apply CRISP-DM and conduct hotspot and temporal (monthly) analysis of HWC data from Ramnagar Forest Division, India. Based on the patterns of crop loss, livestock loss, and human loss, we propose conflict-type and species-specific preventive strategies. A qualitative assessment of the initial outcomes of the ongoing implementation finds the preventive strategies to be effective. We suggest a participatory approach, localization of strategy, and need for data management as opportunities for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check dams, installed to control sediment and flood risk along streams, can significantly influence the hydrology and ecology of aquatic ecosystems. Few studies assessing its impacts have been done in some countries, however, such has not been the case in the Philippines. Implementation of check dam projects in the Philippines has not been paired with monitoring and evaluation strategies to determine their success or impacts in relation to their objective to manage sediment and flow. This study focused on assessing check dams impacts on hydrology, biology, and stakeholders reflection on check dam purpose and success in Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL), Philippines. To explore the balance in socioeconomic and ecological sustainability of check dam installation, interviews with stakeholders revealed a wide range of perceptions around the project's success and potential impacts. The findings revealed a clear need for the enhancement of the enabling environment (i.e. data baselining and implementation of management strategies) and institutional arrangements (i.e. coordinated management action). There is also an urgent need for the development of management instruments (i.e. monitoring and evaluation programme and communication and awareness strategy) to improve stakeholders' understanding of the project's objectives and outcomes and to improve sustainable management throughout UMRBPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental protection laws are useful tools for promoting sustainability by eradicating anti-environmental behavior while encouraging alternative sustainable behaviors. However, the achievement of these goals relies on the psychosocial processes underlying the behaviors of the people in charge of the enforcement of these laws. Conservation officers play a central role in the enforcement of these laws, but their intervention behavior has not been assessed in relation to their perceptions of their working conditions. To fill this gap, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 128 conservation officers from four public authorities responsible for enforcing environmental law in a territory with a high level of legal environmental protection. The main results show that the participants have similarities and differences with conservation officers from other territories in their perception of their working conditions. Likewise, it was found that self-efficacy and satisfaction influence their intervention behavior, both directly and through their goals. The role of descriptive social norms as well as the relation of collective efficacy and self-efficacy and satisfaction were also revealed. Policy implications of these findings involve the need to improve communication between prosecutors, judges and conservation officers, as well as the enhancement of conservation officers' collective efficacy, self-efficacy and skills used to educate people in avoiding damaging the environment and collaborating in its protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosphere reserves and nature parks are protected areas that aim to combine nature conservation with human-development goals. These areas provide ideal environments for promoting and testing sustainable ways of living. The goal of this study was to determine how park management can best contribute to the quality of life of residents. The article presents the results of a survey in Switzerland of 2,409 residents of a biosphere reserve and two regional nature parks on the provision of quality of life. The results indicate that the quality of life in the parks is generally high. The identified dimensions that constitute this quality of life, their perceived importance, and the needs expressed by residents suggest that park management can help to increase and safeguard extant conditions by offering activities that improve health, social relations, and sustainable mobility. Awareness of how park management can contribute to the quality of life of park residents sustainably enables the setting of new priorities that have joint outputs that can be positive for both nature and people.

Research about the relations between protected areas and local communities ranges from nature-centred to human-centred approaches. Differing epistemic worldviews and fragmentation characterize this literature. We analyzed the rationale underpinning approaches to protected area governance. We classified them according to their perspective on human-nature relations. Using the components of stakeholder mapping, and adding the concepts of human-nature interaction, landscape values, and land-use preferences, we designed a conceptual framework and research method to improve understanding of the governance of specific protected areas. The method comprises 6 steps: (1) identify all stakeholders; (2) identify those stakeholders in power positions and determine their view of nature; (3) establish the landscape values and preferences of other stakeholder groups; (4) study the institutional context and power relations; (5) consider the agency and capacity of each group and their engagement with the protected area; and (6) determine what recommendations might be made to improve protected area governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores local public support for nature protected areas (PAs) to identify primary social factors explaining support. The model was built and tested using survey data collected from approximately 2300 individuals living inside or near six Protected Areas in five different European countries using both face-to-face and online methods. Results show that perceived social impacts are a key and consistent predictor of the level of stated support, despite the wide range of potential impacts. Also important is the strength of a person's sense of place attachment to the PA landscapes or area, as well as institutional trust. Other factors were only significant at some sites indicating the importance of local context. Results indicated that stated support is linked with pro-environmental behaviour when using the protected area, indicating the importance of supportive public attitudes for behaviour that is supportive of ecological effectiveness. The link between stated support and volunteering was less clear indicating that this is also influenced by other factors. The model is intended to inform theoretical understanding of the factors affecting public support, but also as a step towards developing a predictive tool for practitioners taking into consideration a broader range of factors in assessing public support and highlighting problem areas for action. As new ambitious biodiversity conservation targets are set internationally, our study will be useful for practitioners and researchers regarding what future management approaches and policies need to focus on in order to maximise public support, minimize conflicts in PAs and increase pro-environmental behaviour. • Stated support for PAs is related to perceived social impacts and place attachment. • Several other factors influence stated support in certain contexts. • Active support is related to stated support for private sphere pro-PA behaviour. • Public support is important for both social equity and management effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctic specially protected areas (ASPAs) are a key regulatory mechanism for protecting Antarctic environmental values. Previous evaluations of the effectiveness of the ASPA system focused on its representativeness and design characteristics, presenting a compelling rationale for its systematic revision. Upgrading the system could increase the representation of values within ASPAs, but representation alone does not guarantee the avoided loss or improvement of those values. Identifying factors that influence the effectiveness of ASPAs would inform the design and management of an ASPA system with the greatest capacity to deliver its intended conservation outcomes. To facilitate evaluations of ASPA effectiveness, we devised a research and policy agenda that includes articulating a theory of change for what outcomes ASPAs generate and how; building evaluation principles into ASPA design and designation processes; employing complementary approaches to evaluate multiple dimensions of effectiveness; and extending evaluation findings to identify and exploit drivers of positive conservation impact. Implementing these approaches will enhance the efficacy of ASPAs as a management tool, potentially leading to improved outcomes for Antarctic natural values in an era of rapid global change. Evaluación del impacto de conservación de las áreas protegidas de la Antártida [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-management has been widely promoted in protected area management on the premise that it may simultaneously enhance biodiversity conservation outcomes and improve livelihoods of the park-border communities. However, the success of this management approach remains a growing debate raising the question of its effectiveness. To contribute to this debate, we used local community perceptions and secondary ecological data to assess the extent to which co-management has effectively contributed to biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development outcomes in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Face-to-face individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data on the perceptions of co-management from 160 purposively selected heads of households. A desk study was used to collect data on trends in animal populations, animal mortality, and prohibited activities including incidences of poaching for the past 30 years (pre-and post-introduction of co-management). Results showed that local communities have positive perceptions of the conservation work in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Further, there was an improved people-park relationship and a recovery of animal populations in the reserve after the introduction of co-management. These findings point to the success of co-management in the area. However, misunderstandings over revenue sharing were still a thorny issue, somehow creating mistrust between parties. We concluded that while it may still be early to achieve more demonstrable conservation outcomes, co-management appears to bring hope for effective biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Participatory evaluation of co-management involving key stakeholders is recommended in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve based on the findings of this study and lessons learnt over the years.

Adaptive management, whereby monitoring is used to evaluate management interventions with uncertain outcomes, is theoretically well‐developed but poorly implemented. Previous work has identified several reasons for this, but there has been little direct investigation into the perceptions of on‐the‐ground managers (those ultimately responsible for adopting adaptive management).We conducted interviews with nine protected area managers in the Mana–Sapi–Chewore World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe to understand their perspectives on, and extent of adoption of, adaptive management. We focused on how managers use ranger‐collected data on elephant poaching to inform their anti‐poaching strategies. To better understand drivers of adoption, we also interviewed 18 key informants either working with these managers or familiar with their work.We found that while managers used ranger‐collected to guide patrol deployments, data use was basic, short term and reactive. We found little evidence of managers systematically analysing and learning from trends in data to inform anti‐poaching. Lack of buy‐in and ownership was a significant barrier to adoption of data‐based adaptive management. Managers did not see how the approach would help their work, felt that the costs of adoption outweighed the benefits, and were resistant to change from management based on intuition and experience (which they saw as more familiar and dependable).We find strong parallels between drivers of adoption in our study and prominent theories of what affects technology and innovation adoption within organisations more generally. Looking beyond our case study, we contend that the 'human' dimension of adaptive management (manager buy‐in and organisational culture) has been under‐emphasised compared to technical fixes (like providing more resources and training). Our results highlight the difficulties of implementing adaptive management, rather than critiquing the concept itself.Finally, we generalise our findings to develop a theory of change to promote greater manager buy‐in to adaptive management, drawing on principles from human‐centred design to ensure that solutions are sensitive to the priorities and decision‐making context of protected area managers. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the local communities' attitudes toward protected areas (PAs) is critical to PA management planning. However, what socio‐economic and demographic factors drive their attitude remains poorly studied. We interviewed 135 residents in three villages in the buffer zone of Bardia National Park, Nepal, to assess their perceived benefits and costs of the PA. We found that perceived benefits are skewed toward wealthy and influential people, whereas costs associated with wildlife‐caused damage (i.e., crop raiding) are borne disproportionately by poor people. The Tobit regression model showed that wealthy and educated residents who obtained direct tourism benefits from the park were significantly more likely to hold positive attitudes toward the PA. On the flip side, residents who had experienced conflict with park administration (park staff and military guards) and incurred a higher amount of crop loss in the recent past were likely to have negative attitudes. Our results showed that negative attitudes largely stemmed from park staff and military guards' behavior and inefficient service delivery from the national park office. In light of these findings, we suggest the park administration develop mechanisms to ensure efficient service delivery and pragmatic handling of community grievances concerning law enforcement and wildlife damage compensation. We also recommend directing park benefits to less educated and poor households and those suffering property losses from wildlife to improve park‐people relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balancing biodiversity conservation and the socioeconomic well-being of ethnic minority communities presents a significant challenge in protected areas (PAs). Ecological compensation (EC) is a crucial policy instrument for improving the livelihood of affected residents, but its application in ethnic minority-dominant regions is complicated by cultural differences and fragile economic foundations. This study evaluates the impact of an innovative hybrid EC mechanism, integrating cash payment, employment support, and education incentive, on the livelihood resilience of ethnic minority groups and identifies the most cost-effective mechanism. Using field data from rural households in Potatso National Park, analyzed through hierarchical multiple regression and scenario simulations within the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, the study finds that: (i) hybrid EC mechanisms significantly improve overall livelihoods, with households receiving employment support and education incentive showing 0.074 and 0.052 higher average livelihood score, respectively (on a 0–1 scale); (ii) different EC types have varied effects across households; and (iii) hybrid EC mechanisms increase social benefits by 6.97%–37.65%, with only a 1.30%–20.15% cost increase compared to baseline scenario. The findings highlight the need for diversified and optimized EC policies to improve livelihood resilience and maximize cost-effectiveness in PAs.

Illegal activity within protected forests, such as illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming, and agricultural expansion, has brought many plant and animal species to the brink of extinction and threatens various conservation efforts. The Philippine government has introduced a number of actions to combat environmental degradation, including the use of mobile platforms such as the SMART-Lawin system to collect patrol data from the field, which represents a remarkable step towards data-driven conservation management. However, it remains difficult to control illegal forest activity within protected landscapes due to limited patrol and law enforcement resources. A better understanding of the spatial distribution of illegal activity is crucial to strengthening and efficiently implementing forest protection practices. In the present study, we predicted the spatial distribution of illegal activity and identified the associated environmental factors using maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt). Patrol data collected using the SMART-Lawin system from the Baliuag Conservation Area for the period 2017-2019 were used to train and validate the MaxEnt models. We tuned the MaxEnt parameter setting using the ENMeval package in R to overcome sampling bias, avoid overfitting, and balance model complexity. The resulting MaxEnt models provided a clear understanding of the overall risk of illegal activity and its spatial distribution within the conservation area. This study demonstrated the potential utility of data-driven models developed from patrol observation records. The output of this research is beneficial for conservation managers who are required to allocate limited resources and make informed management decisions.

Wildlife conservation in the Anthropocene requires bold conservation solutions including restoration of ecosystems and species. The recovery of large carnivore populations is a conservation goal which can generate significant benefits in terms of ecosystem services, ecological functionality, and human well-being. Tigers Panthera tigris, Asia’s most iconic species, are currently restricted to less than 10% of their historic range with recent national extinctions from a number of countries in mainland Southeast Asia. Tiger recovery through range expansion requires suitable habitat, a robust prey base, and high levels of institutional support for conservation. We explored government support for conservation to produce a ranking of the political opportunities for tiger restoration across current and former tiger range countries. We used this analysis, in combination with globally remotely sensed data-sets on human impact, to show that there is potential for significant tiger range expansion. We identified large expanses of currently unoccupied, but potentially suitable, habitat in at least 14 countries including all extant tiger range countries and four countries with extirpated tiger populations – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, and Kazakhstan. Thirty-two percent of expansion areas were within 50-km, and 50% within 100-km, of current tiger populations highlighting that in many landscapes range expansion could be driven by the natural dispersal of tigers provided connectivity is maintained or enhanced. The proportion of potential range within existing protected areas varied between 60% in Thailand and Cambodia. As such socially appropriate conservation approaches, in collaboration with local communities, will be necessary to support tiger recovery in many areas. We recommend that some of the areas which we have identified should be highlighted as significant for future tiger conservation by tiger range country governments. Whilst the landscapes and sites which we identify will require detailed ground-truthing, and all tiger reintroductions need extensive planning and feasibility assessments, safeguarding these areas for human-carnivore coexistence could provide significant planetary benefits and support both tiger recovery and Global Sustainable Development Goals.

The Brazilian Biodiversity Monitoring Program (Monitora Program) is a long-term largescale program aimed at monitoring the state of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in the protected areas (PAs) managed by Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio). Encouraging qualified social participation is one of Monitora Program's guiding principles. In this case study, we describe how citizen participation occurs in various stages of the Monitora Program, including planning, data collection, interpretation, and discussion of results. Aspects that are crucial for a legitimate and continuous involvement and participation are described. We also illustrate some of the results from the Program and discuss how the program can contribute to Brazil's achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2022, the program was implemented in 113 of the 334 protected areas managed by ICMBio, most of them in the Amazon. The program results are aligned to 12 of the 17 SDGs, influencing changes that move society closer to these goals at the local scale. Data from the Monitora Program can be used to support Brazilian SDG reporting, but this requires further developments. Social participation in Monitora Program has strengthened links between institutions and people of different profiles, enhancing participation in protected area (PA) management and generating multiple local impacts, while producing quality biodiversity information to inform decision-making in conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism enterprise-based approach to conservation can diversify livelihood opportunities in and around protected areas while incentivizing conservation support and building community resilience. However, the use of tourism as a tool for integrated conservation and development (ICD) has produced mixed results, underscoring the need for adaptive management that accounts for local context. We used a mixed-methods approach to examine how individual and community-level involvement in tourism influenced support for conservation, reliance on the natural environment, and perceptions of governance and community resilience in communities around Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. During January 2017, we surveyed households in three communities (n = 197) with varying levels of tourism involvement and conducted focus groups with village elders (n = 28). Individuals and communities who engaged in tourism-related livelihoods expressed stronger support for conservation and reduced reliance on the natural environment. Links between tourism and environmental, social, and economic resilience varied. Results suggest the presence of a tourism sweet spot where moderate levels of tourism facilitate alignment of conservation and community development goals. Communities that achieve equitable access to and engagement in tourism and associated benefits may be more resilient and better positioned to capitalize on linkages between tourism-based livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1932927. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers increasing global reliance on privately protected areas (PPAs) and associated nature-based tourism (NBT). A targeted literature review was guided by three research questions, which sought to understand how neoliberal concepts and dynamics manifest in private forms of conservation; how private forms of conservation have manifested in Chile; and, how Chileans' attitudes towards their government's neoliberal policies might affect their expectations of PPAs. The search strategy resulted in 284 resources. Three dimensions of neoliberal approaches to PPAs emerged from the data each highlighting specific vulnerabilities: a loss of the social embeddedness of nature; an imposition of global, capital dynamics; and conflicting discourses and assumptions. Results suggest that, in order to improve long-term support and integration of PPAs and NBT, greater attention needs to be given to social well-being outcomes (including equity and justice concerns), building of social capital, and the preservation of local identities and histories. Additionally, regional and PPA-specific land-use planning needs to incorporate greater public engagement, cross-jurisdictional coordination, and transparent and inclusive decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservationists recognize that protected areas (PAs) have limited prospects without the involvement and support of local people. People inherently express positive perceptions to nature and support for wildlife conservation. Yet, people in rural and urban communities may differ in their knowledge and perceptions of benefits and costs of nearby small‐size PAs, which induce a vital impact on the effectiveness of PAs and conservation goal achievements. We investigated local people's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes around rural PAs (Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuaries, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, and Ankasa Conservation Area) and urban PAs (Owabi Wildlife Sanctuaries) in Ghana. Based on a questionnaire survey (928 respondents) in communities surrounding the parks, the perception of benefits from PAs was mainly for ecological reasons and did not differ between PAs. However, the perception of costs incurred by PAs differed between urban and rural PAs. The locals of the urban PA perceived fewer costs (crop damage from wildlife) than those in rural areas. Although there were significant differences between the urban and rural PA respondents, most respondents had positive attitudes toward the PA. Fifty‐five percent of the total respondents were satisfied with the active law enforcement carried out by PA staff to protect biodiversity. However, 41% and 33% of respondents expressed discontent with restrictions on the use of natural resources within PAs and lack of involvement in decision‐making, respectively. Of the sociodemographic factors investigated in all parks, men were more satisfied with the policies and governance of PAs than women due to the greater participation of men in many outdoor activities. Positive attitudes toward PAs suggest that despite conflicts, there is a straightforward understanding by local people about healthy ecosystems, which creates a common ground between conservationists and local communities for successful conservation in PAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Understanding the spatio‐temporal distribution of ungulates is important for effective wildlife management, particularly for economically and ecologically important species such as wild boar (Sus scrofa). Wild boars are generally considered to exhibit substantial behavioral flexibility, but it is unclear how their behavior varies across different conservation management regimes and levels of human pressure. To analyze if and how wild boars adjust their space use or their temporal niche, we surveyed wild boars across the core and buffer zones (collectively referred to as the conservation zone) and the transition zone of a biosphere reserve. These zones represent low and high levels of human pressure, respectively. Specifically, we employed a network of 53 camera traps distributed in the Schaalsee UNESCO Biosphere Reserve over a 14‐month period (19,062 trap nights) and estimated circadian activity patterns, diel activity levels, and occupancy of wild boars in both zones. To account for differences in environmental conditions and day length, we estimated these parameters separately for seven 2‐month periods. Our results showed that the wild boars were primarily nocturnal, with diurnal activity occurring dominantly during the summer months. The diel activity patterns in the two zones were very similar overall, although the wild boars were slightly less active in the transition zone than in the conservation zone. Diel activity levels also varied seasonally, ranging from 7.5 to 11.0 h day−1, and scaled positively with the length of the night (R2 = 0.66–0.67). Seasonal occupancy estimates were exceptionally high (point estimates ranged from 0.65 to 0.99) and similar across zones, suggesting that the wild boars used most of the biosphere reserve. Overall, this result suggests that different conservation management regimes (in this case, the zoning of a biosphere reserve) have little impact on wild boar behavior. This finding is relevant for wildlife management in protected areas where possibly high wild boar densities could interfere with conservation goals within these areas and those of agricultural land use in their vicinity.

As freshwater environments become increasingly threatened, the need for efficient and effective protection grows more urgent. Yet quantitative evidence of management effectiveness within freshwater protected areas is limited, inhibiting our ability to infer the practicality and efficacy of practices. Herein, we employ linear mixed-effects models and time series models to evaluate the connection between catchment-scale management actions and surface water quality within a freshwater protected area, over the past three decades. Within the study area, all croplands were restored to traditional grasslands resulting in a landscape dominated by meadows and forests. The extent of land use change and time frame needed for water quality improvements were investigated and management effectiveness appraised. Results indicate that the complete grassing of croplands was approximately three times more effective at reducing concentrations of nitrate than electrical conductivity and calcium. Significant improvements in water quality occurred within nine years of management implementation, with mean annual nitrate concentrations decreasing from 5.5 to 1.9 mg/L following the grassing of all croplands covering 3.1% of the study area, whereas gradual improvements continued over the next 20 years, ultimately resulting in nitrate concentrations below 1.0 mg/L. The results of this study provide valuable insights on how land use conversions in small headwater catchments can influence stream water quality and helps to establish expectations for outcomes when planning conservation strategies.

There is wide recognition, championed by the Ramsar Convention, of the need to increase the public appreciation of wetlands and their conservation by providing meaningful experiences for visitors to Ramsar sites. In a case study of an Australian Ramsar site on the 50th anniversary of the treaty, we investigate the public's awareness of this internationally significant wetland and their understanding of wetland biota and ecosystem services. To inform future communication, education, participation and awareness (CEPA), we also investigate public preferences for particular wetland-related knowledge, on-site activities, facilities and communication media. Less than half of the 326 survey respondents expressed some familiarity with wetlands. Notably, they were not aware of the existence of the Ramsar site, despite having driven past and being within close proximity to the wetland at the time of surveying. Non-extractive and non-commodified recreational activities such as trail walking and photography were preferred over extractive uses such as fishing and duck hunting and activities such as boat cruises and guided tours. There was a high demand for on-site facilities such as walking tracks and viewing platforms and for communication through web-based sources. Visitation to further the goals of Ramsar CEPA could be encouraged through the resourcing of locally appropriate infrastructure, promotion of activities and better communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dual mandate of conserving natural and/or cultural heritage while facilitating visitor experiences challenges protected area managers to deal with the environmental impacts of human behaviours. The issue of waste disposal is an important aspect of the human-nature interaction, not least in backcountry areas, yet it is a largely understudied aspect of winter recreation management. To address this gap in knowledge, this study examines remote toileting practices of snow-based visitors travelling and camping in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia. Using recreation specialisation as a theoretical framework for understanding and segmenting users, we examined toileting behaviour of snow-based backcountry visitors. The study highlights that toileting behaviour of snow-based backcountry travellers varies with the level of specialisation. Experts were more willing to carry out waste while those with intermediate experience relied more on infrastructure-intensive forms of waste disposal or buried waste in snow. Adoption of carry-out practices, nonetheless, were low in both segments. Length and place of stay were also important factors. A multi-faceted communication approach targeted at multi-day visitors and promoting carry-out strategies supported by targeted entry-point infrastructure is recommended for effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forested landscapes offer high provisioning capacities for many ecosystem services (ES), yet their capabilities may change in time due to multifaceted ES drivers. Therefore, assessing the changes in individual ES is critical for ecosystem-based management. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal changes in ES provided by a forest-dominated protected area in NE, Turkey. To this end, 18 ES were quantified and mapped using the ES matrix approach for 1985 and 2021. Then, the status of the ES and potential drivers of landscape changes were revealed through the assessment of demographic and management structure changes. The results showed that the multiple ES provisioning capacity of the landscape increased by 7% over 35 years. The capacities for "crops" and "livestock" ES decreased for the same period. The most prominent ES were "wild foods," "erosion regulation," and "knowledge systems." Spatially, ES hotspots accumulated in the northern parts and the core zone of the protected area. The most significant changes occurred in the lowlands, mostly composed of degraded forests and coppices as of 1985 after their transformation into productive forests. The spatio-temporal changes in many ES can be attributed to the declaration of the landscape as a protected area in 1994. The removal of anthropogenic pressure and the impact of conservation management can be evaluated as the main drivers for the positive changes in the total ES capacity. Thus, sound policy structures and effective conservation strategies should be further encouraged for increasing protected areas' capacities to provide the large array of ES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain protected areas are popular tourism destinations. Those managing such landscapes and activities require data on when and where people go, but obtaining such information is difficult for large and often remote areas, particularly when resources are limited. We illustrate how geolocated images posted on social media could be used to assess tourism by analyzing geolocated images taken in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal and posted to the image-sharing platform Flickr. Data from 577 visitors covering 3 major periods—pre-2007 (limited roads and Maoist insurgency), 2008–2014 (post-insurgency and better roads), and 2015–2020 (post-blizzard and earthquake)—and 4 meteorological seasons were analyzed. We found monthly patterns based on photo user days correlated with recent official visitor data. When finer resolution mapping of photo-user-hour data was visualized using heatmaps, seasonal and spatial patterns were apparent. Visitors mainly stayed on trails, roads, or in villages, with few images off trails, at high elevations, or from the remote north, while visitation was greater and more dispersed in spring and autumn compared to summer and winter. The results highlight the concentrated nature of visitation and hence opportunities to promote new destinations, events, and activities, particularly in summer and winter. They also show how roads and trails have expanded the use of the area. Although beneficial, social media has limitations, as few visitors post to social media, platforms vary in popularity and access to data, and there are increasing ethical and privacy issues with data from social media that need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain protected areas are popular tourism destinations. Those managing such landscapes and activities require data on when and where people go, but obtaining such information is difficult for large and often remote areas, particularly when resources are limited. We illustrate how geolocated images posted on social media could be used to assess tourism by analyzing geolocated images taken in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal and posted to the image-sharing platform Flickr. Data from 577 visitors covering 3 major periods—pre-2007 (limited roads and Maoist insurgency), 2008–2014 (post-insurgency and better roads), and 2015–2020 (post-blizzard and earthquake)—and 4 meteorological seasons were analyzed. We found monthly patterns based on photo user days correlated with recent official visitor data. When finer resolution mapping of photo-user-hour data was visualized using heatmaps, seasonal and spatial patterns were apparent. Visitors mainly stayed on trails, roads, or in villages, with few images off trails, at high elevations, or from the remote north, while visitation was greater and more dispersed in spring and autumn compared to summer and winter. The results highlight the concentrated nature of visitation and hence opportunities to promote new destinations, events, and activities, particularly in summer and winter. They also show how roads and trails have expanded the use of the area. Although beneficial, social media has limitations, as few visitors post to social media, platforms vary in popularity and access to data, and there are increasing ethical and privacy issues with data from social media that need to be considered.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict is increasing in human-dominated agricultural landscapes. • Local communities are important stakeholders in human-wildlife conflict management. • Importance-Performance Analysis: effective protected area management tool. • Importance-Performance Analysis pinpoints conflict management strategies. • Context-specific human-wildlife conflict management strategies are vital. Human-wildlife conflict affects the social-ecological systems essential for sustainable development. In human-dominated landscapes, effective management necessitates context-specific strategies that promote workable coexistence. This present study evaluates community perspectives on human-wildlife conflict management strategies through Importance-Performance Analysis in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. As a cost-effective and user-friendly tool, Importance-Performance Analysis helps protected area managers prioritize strategies and make informed decisions. Our findings reveal eight management strategies with significant importance-performance gaps, suggesting that park management is falling short in meeting both farmers' and non-farmers' needs. The graphical representation of Importance-Performance Analysis matrix visually identifies three high priority strategies—enhanced livelihood diversification skills, promotion of alternative livelihoods, and fast-tracked compensation schemes—that demand immediate action. The ANOVA results show varying perspectives between farmers and non-farmers across the park's four management sectors (Kasara, Sauraha, Madi, and Amaltari), regarding the importance and performance of management strategies. This study demonstrates that Importance-Performance Analysis can be effectively adapted by protected area managers to evaluate and enhance management effectiveness from stakeholders' perspectives, thereby balancing biodiversity conservation with community well-being and advancing the global goal of 'living in harmony with nature'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. 1,2 However, ineffective management can lead to biodiversity loss and carbon emissions from deforestation. 3,4,5,6 To address this issue and explore viable solutions, we assessed the impact of PA establishment on avoided deforestation in 80 Southeast Asian PAs using the synthetic control approach. 7,8 Our results show that 36 PAs successfully prevented 78,910 ha of deforestation. However, the remaining 44 PAs lost 72,497 ha of forest, impacting the habitat of 226 threatened bird and mammal species. Effective management of these reserves could have potentially avoided up to 2.07 MtCO 2 e yr−1 in carbon emissions. We estimate that at least $17 million USD per year in additional funding is required to better manage these 44 ineffective PAs and reduce future emissions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that carbon markets have the potential to generate these funds by reducing carbon emissions from deforestation within protected areas. Our findings emphasize that improving PA management is an essential nature-based solution for conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. • We used synthetic control approach to determine protected area (PA) effectiveness • 45% of the analyzed PAs were effective in reducing forest loss • Managing PAs more effectively can double biodiversity and climatic benefits • Carbon markets can generate funds required for enhancing PA management Sreekar et al. show that only 45% of the recently established protected areas (PAs) in Southeast Asia effectively reduce carbon emissions and prevent species loss. They estimate that an additional $17 million USD per year is needed to improve PA management, with carbon markets offering potential solutions to bridge this funding gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]