Can Protected Area Have Positive Effects on Community Livelihood?–Evidence from Wuyi Mountain National Nature Reserve, China

Protected areas can have positive effects on community livelihood, particularly through eco-tourism, contrary to the common belief that they exacerbate local poverty. A study of 170 rural households within and nearby Wuyi Mountain National Nature Reserve (WNR) in China found that households inside the reserve had significantly higher total income and per capita income compared to those outside. The research, conducted between 2010 and 2014 using robust random effect models, revealed that factors such as the age and education of household heads, clan membership, and financial/technical assistance positively influenced income. It also highlighted a spill-over effect where communities within WNR positively impacted nearby communities. The study suggests that while diversification of livelihood strategies is crucial for risk control within the reserve, nearby communities should leverage their comparative advantages rather than emulating tea production expansion.

Zhang, Y., Zhang, B., Hu, Y., & Xie, Y. (2021). Can Protected Area Have Positive Effects on Community Livelihood?–Evidence from Wuyi Mountain National Nature Reserve, China. Journal of Forest Economics, 36(1-2), 53–77. https://doi.org/10.1561/112.00000525