A multi-level analysis of links between government institutions and community-based conservation

Insights from Iran

Dados Bibliográficos

ID4239696
AutoresRazieh Ghayoumi (University of Tehran), Anthony Charles (0000-0003-1022-3374, Saint Mary's University), Seyed Mohsen Mousavi (0009-0000-7242-779X, Shahid Beheshti University)
Ano2023
Volume28
Fascículo2
Data de publicação2023-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoConservation Ecology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1195-5449 • E-ISSN: 1708-3087
EditoraResilience Alliance (PUBLISHER • CA)
DOI10.5751/es-14217-280233
OpenAlexW4382775844
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas10

Community-based conservation (CBC) is widely recognized as an important strategy (locally, nationally, and internationally) in efforts to conserve biodiversity. This article examines approaches to improve the effectiveness of CBC by resolving tensions between government institutions and local communities, in terms of respective environmental stewardship activities. These tensions are explored in detail within the context of Iran, and specifically how its conservation and protected area policy and practice interact with its history of indigenous and local conservation. A multi-level analysis considers tensions at the national level but also locally, on Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf. The local-level conservation practices of the island reflect its cultural and stewardship traditions, based on reciprocal links of people and nature. Communities on Qeshm Island utilize a range of collective actions to deal with social, economic, and environmental threats, through a multi-faceted approach that includes maintaining traditional practices, initiating culturally-appropriate economic activity, and engaging in conservation efforts, such as those based on sacred species and sites, on coastal community conservation, and on locally-controlled ecotourism. However, tensions arise between these local activities and government initiatives, especially related to economic development, posing a challenge to local-level stewardship and its mutual benefits for ecosystem health and sustainability of livelihoods. There are various possibilities for overcoming these problems and reinforcing community conservation, including through reinforcement of spatial measures, such as community conserved areas

Business · Community-based conservation · Economics · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Environmental stewardship · Geography · Indigenous · Local community · Local government · Marine conservation · Political science · Psychological resilience · Sustainability · Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management · Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies · Public Administration · Ecology