Local ecological knowledge, livelihoods and conservation in the changing forest social ecological systems of Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Protected area management often overlooks the complex interplay between local communities and their environments, leading to unintended consequences for both conservation and development. A study on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, reveals that while protected areas like Cat Ba National Park and the UNESCO-listed Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve aim to conserve biodiversity, they also disrupt traditional livelihoods dependent on forest resources. The research highlights a shift from unimpeded natural resource exploitation to biodiversity conservation, with local ecological knowledge (LEK) evolving from species exploitation to ecosystem awareness. However, this transition is challenged by reduced forest access, leading to the erosion of LEK and limited success in alternative livelihoods. The study underscores the need for adaptive strategies that balance conservation goals with community needs, offering insights applicable to similar global contexts.

Nguyen, T. T. A. Local ecological knowledge, livelihoods and conservation in the changing forest social ecological systems of Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. https://doi.org/10.14264/uql.2015.582