Photo by Pierre Jamar

Dr. Simon Lhoest, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Conservation Innovation Lab, recently co-authored the article “The complexity of the conservation-development nexus in Central African national parks and the perceptions of local populations”, published in the Journal for Nature Conservation.

Focusing on Rwanda and the Republic of Congo, this study identified the key determinants of conservation perceptions in order to implement successful local and regional conservation strategies. To ensure sound conservation and development measures, revenue-sharing schemes focusing on material benefits and alternative livelihoods may provide the best approach if participation of communities in the decision-making process is ensured. Improving education levels will concomitantly raise awareness and positive perceptions of conservation measures. In depth research on local demands for ecosystem products, relationships among stakeholders and community decision power are crucial factors to understand the complexity of
the conservation-development nexus.