Impacts of national park on local communities : a case study of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan

Bhutan has a rich and varied biodiversity that has both regional and global significance. It has been declared one of the world's ten most important global biodiversity `hotspots'. In order to protect and preserve this mega-diversity, Bhutan has devoted 26 per cent of its total land area to designated Protected Areas (PAs). Another nine per cent is set aside for biological corridors connecting all PAs in the country. Empirical evidence worldwide indicates that the establishment of PAs such as National Parks can impact on populations through restrictions on traditional resource use and crop and livestock losses to wild animals. No studies have yet been conducted in Bhutan but anecdotal evidence suggests that similar stories of constraint and restriction are emerging in the country. The aim of this research is to explore how the establishment of PAs in Bhutan is impacting on local residents. Using a qualitative case study approach, this study explores the perceptions of villagers, local elected leaders and government officials residing in two districts of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP). The results suggest that declaring a National Park has been perceived by rural communities as yielding a number of negative consequences. These include the restriction of access to traditionally-used resources and increased depredation of crops and livestock by Park animals. However, many respondents expressed their support for the protection of remaining natural resources for the benefit of future generations. Residents also recognise and appreciate the support provided by the Park management in the form of supplies such as seeds, seedlings, breeding bulls, machinery and budget for school and clinic improvement. Respondents expressed their desire for continued or even increased support in future. Residents' perceptions of the Park and its impacts appear to be particularly influenced by their level of dependence on natural resources, family wealth and proximity to markets and Park offices. The study also shows that the whole process of Park conceptualisation, establishment and management is seen as having been imposed. Residents do not understand how the Park was conceptualised and established. Their participation in Park related planning and decision-making processes is limited to small elites. Furthermore, the authorities of JSWNP are seen to be placing too much emphasis on the enforcement of Park rules, to deter people from extracting natural resources. This has led to resentment among the local residents. Enforcement of rules is also said to be inconsistent across the villages studied. While there is some concern amongst residents about the imposition of restriction, there exists a strong local conservation ethic and traditional resource management institutions in rural communities within the Park. However, these are largely unacknowledged by conventional conservation strategies, which are based on western scientific knowledge. The conventional conservation strategies need rethinking. They provide limited opportunity for long-term success of the Park as they disengage local residents from the conservation processes. Successful Park management will require a shift from an imposed conservation ethic - which retains external control of the management and end-uses of Park resources - to an approach which devolves more responsibility and decision-making authority to local communities. This would mean increasing engagement with local people, a shift from `policing' to monitoring and research, an acknowledgement of the local conservation ethic and the provision of alternative economic opportunities. Finally, more research is needed to increase our understanding of residents' perceptions and attitudes about National Parks, the ecological footprints of residents on Park resources and the role of local conservation ethic and institutions. Such understanding will enable future policy and decision makers to develop informed decisions and policies that are more likely to engage local people in the conservation process