Depicting community perspectives: repeat photography and participatory research as tools for assessing environmental services in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

A novel application of repeat photography as a diachronic photo-diary reveals a strong consensus among local communities in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, regarding adverse changes to environmental services (ES), particularly protection against natural hazards like landslides and floods. This study highlights the potential of participatory research methods, such as repeat photography, to complement traditional biophysical ecosystem assessments by integrating diverse stakeholders' knowledge and addressing power imbalances in complex social-ecological systems. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating local perspectives into conservation efforts to enhance livelihoods and protect UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Garrard, R., Kohler, T., Wiesmann, U., Price, M. F., Byers, A. C., & Sherp, A. R. (2012). Depicting community perspectives: repeat photography and participatory research as tools for assessing environmental services in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. Eco.Mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research), 4(2), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.1553/eco.mont-4-2s21