The social impacts of protected areas on local communities

Governance structures in protected areas significantly influence social impacts on local communities, shaping land use policies, economic opportunities, and power dynamics. A study of the Wulingyuan World Heritage Site and the Giant Panda National Park reveals that while tourism-driven economic growth is promoted, it often fails to improve community well-being due to inequitable benefit-sharing or restrictive management policies. Local concerns about fairness, empowerment, and livelihoods persist, particularly with strict housing regulations and land acquisition actions. Additionally, the loss of cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge transfer in communities surrounding these areas has been overlooked, further complicating conservation efforts. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating policy analysis, surveys, and interviews, to highlight the need for fair and inclusive governance, effective community participation, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms to balance ecological conservation with community well-being.

Zhang, Y. The social impacts of protected areas on local communities. https://doi.org/10.33612/diss.1324210509