Assessment of Protected area Management effectiveness of Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India

An assessment of protected area management effectiveness in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India, reveals that while the region's protected areas (PAs) perform relatively well in community support, protection, and landscape integration, critical gaps exist in management plans and staff capacity. Using a modified IUCN Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME) framework, researchers evaluated eight PAs between 2014-2015, finding an overall average effectiveness score of 55%. Khangchendzonga National Park scored highest at 62.5%, while FambongLho Wildlife Sanctuary scored lowest at 46.67%. Four PAs were rated 'good,' and four 'fair.' The study highlights the need for policy-level reforms to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly in addressing management plan quality and field staff capacity.

Ansari, N. A., Bhardwaj, A. K., & Srivastava, A. (2020). Assessment of Protected area Management effectiveness of Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India. Indian Forester, 146(10), 901. https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2020/v146i10/155427