Linking development interventions to conservation: Perspectives from partners in the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (original) (raw)
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are two afromontane forests considered as extremely important biodiversity areas, with global significance, due to their population of highly endangered Mountain Gorilla. Threats to the two parks include uncontrolled exploitation of forest resources as well as fire damage and the indirect pressures of demand for land. Legal establishment through an Act of Parliament (gazettement) of the parks in 1991 caused high levels of conflict and resistance from the surrounding communities, seriously threatening the ability of the protected area authority to manage the parks. In response to these conflicts and threats, a range of ‘integrated conservation and development’ (ICD) strategies have been applied in and around Bwindi and Mgahinga. This report summarises the findings of a study, conducted between 2001 and 2002, which aimed to test the effectiveness of these strategies in reconciling biodiversity conservation and socio-...
Combining Conservation & Community Empowerment to Protect Grauer’s Gorillas
2021
As authors of this Group Project report, we archive this report on the Bren School's website such that the results of our research are available for all to read. Our signatures on the document signify our joint responsibility to fulfill the archiving standards set by the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.
2010
This report summarises the findings of a study, conducted between 2001 and 2002, which aimed to test the effectiveness of these strategies in reconciling biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development interests, in particular through interventions that both improved livelihoods and resulted in increased support for biodiversity conservation, in terms of the attitudes and behaviours of local communities. The study reviewed some of the common assumptions associated with ICD interventions, specifically those that seek to link local people to park resources and those that seek to break this link.
International Zoo Yearbook, 2018
Zoos and aquariums undoubtably have an important role to play in supporting species conservation through a diverse range of activities, including public awareness and financial support of field-conservation projects. Charismatic megafauna, such as gorillas Gorilla spp, play a crucial role as flagship species in their range countries, acting as ambassadors for conservation. Here, we present examples from the Mbeli Bai Study (MBS) in northern Congo, a long-term Western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla field-conservation project. We show how collaborations between zoos and field-conservation projects can support each other in numerous ways. Over the last two decades the MBS has received substantial support from zoos. A large portion of the operational budget has been provided by zoos and this has ensured a degree of financial independence over the long term. Intensive exchange of conservation-education techniques in terms of material and staff expertise has been helpful for MBS's education project 'Club Ebobo'. This has not only provided training for field educators but has also given zoo personnel and visitors better insight into the realities of conservation in range countries. Such exchanges can further help to promote awareness, raising the role of zoos in supporting field-conservation projects. Finally, the knowledge gained through scientific research has proven to be beneficial for animals both in the field (e.g. improved conservation measures) and in captivity (e.g. better-adapted group structure, feeding strategies and environment). Here, we discuss our experience and describe some of the benefits and challenges of conservation collaborations between zoos and field-conservation projects.
Ecology and Society, 2011
Traditional beliefs associated with the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) in Lebialem Division, Cameroon, were studied to establish the usefulness of incorporating these local belief systems into the conservation strategy for this critically endangered species. A survey was conducted in 2007 in five villages to assess local perceptions of human-gorilla totemic kinship practices and taboos against hunting and against eating of gorillas. Villages were selected based on their proximity to Cross River gorilla (CRG) habitat, with a total of 184 interviewer-administered questionnaires completed during a 4-week period. Eighty-six percent of people agreed that gorillas were totems (personal spiritual helpers or counterparts) of people living in the village. People who believed in human-gorilla totemic kinship practice did not eat or hunt gorillas, and they wanted gorillas to be protected in order to protect the practice. Most (87%), of the interviewees declared their support for gorilla conservation. The main motivation was the belief that when gorillas are killed, the human totemic counterpart will die as a result. Because of these traditions, the hunting of gorillas is taboo in all five villages surveyed. On the other hand, gorilla parts play a direct role in traditional medicine, and gorilla bones are valued as ingredients for traditional medicine. Also, general awareness and adherence to local totemic practices was found to be declining, particularly among young people (18-25 years). Despite the imminent decline in value of belief systems that led to the establishment of the hunting taboo, this taboo is still in place and has discouraged the hunting of gorillas. Where law enforcement is weak or near inexistent, these traditional restrictions could be critical to the continuing survival of a gorilla population. Reviving and promoting beliefs and practices conducive to gorilla conservation could foster positive attitudes and behavior and have the potential to encourage local support and participation in communities. However, care must be taken when selecting practices to promote, as some (for example the use of gorillas in traditional medicine) could encourage the killing of animals.
Conservation in the 21st Century: Gorillas as a Case Study
2008
This peer-reviewed book series melds the facts of organic diversity with the continuity of the evolutionary process. The volumes in this series exemplify the diversity of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches currently employed by primatologists and physical anthropologists. Specific coverage includes: primate behavior in natural habitats and captive settings; primate ecology and conservation; functional morphology and developmental biology of primates; primate systematics; genetic and phenotypic differences among living primates; and paleoprimatology.
Summary of the proposal to reinforce the reintroduced gorilla population in Gabon
2013
The western gorilla Gorilla gorilla is classified as “Critically Endangered” due to past and current rapid population decline (IUCN 2012). The UK-based charity The Aspinall Foundation is committed to the reintroduction of the species to the Bateke Plateau region of the neighbouring Republics of Congo and Gabon, from where the species has been extirpated during the past few decades. This is being undertaken through projects in both range countries in collaboration with the respective national governments. The Congo project was the first to be initiated, and initial postrelease results are very encouraging, with released gorillas adapting well to the release site, ranging and behaving in similar ways to wild gorillas, and reproducing successfully (Courage et al. 2001; King 2004; King & Courage 2007; King & Chamberlan 2007; King et al. 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012; Farmer & Courage 2008). The Gabon project is ten years younger, but post-release monitoring results are equally encouraging. A c...