Comparative evaluation of co-management impacts on protected area: A case study from Lawachara National Park, Maulvibazar, Sylhet

Abstract. An exploratory study was conducted in Lawachara National Park (LNP) to make a comparative analysis of co-management practice in protected area management. This study compares the socio-economic condition (income, social status, living style etc.) and forest dependency before and after implementation of co-management activities in LNP. A total 40 households out of 153 were interviewed from 3 study villages namely Magurchara Punji, Dalubari and Radhanagar. Data analysis shows that major income generating livelihood activities in study villages were, agro farming (30%), followed by fuelwood collection (22.50%), nursery raising (12.50%), cattle farming (10%), fisheries (7.50%) and others. Study also reveals that after being implementation of co-management activities the average income level of 3 studied villages have rises on average 550 taka/HHs (1 US $ = Taka 70). Furthermore, many of the former illegal loggers became forest protector which makes their life more secured and respectable in the society than before. It was also found that peoples of study villages are now actively engaging in forest management activities and it is the only hope for conservation and restoration of forest resources not only in LNP but also in other protected areas of our country