A Local Counter-Narrative on the Conservation of Mountain Gorillas

A study of narratives around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park reveals a dominant 'ambivalence narrative' among local villagers, contrasting sharply with externally produced win–win and traditionalist narratives. This counter-narrative highlights significant costs for villagers while expressing cautious optimism about future economic benefits from tourism. The research, using social science narrative analysis, validates villagers' dissatisfaction with the status quo and identifies necessary changes to realize their hopes. This finding challenges dominant discourses on protected areas in Africa.

Tumusiime, D. M., & Svarstad, H. (2011). A Local Counter-Narrative on the Conservation of Mountain Gorillas. Forum for Development Studies, 38(3), 239–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039410.2011.610000