Trusts role in conserving biodiversity and reducing conservation conflict: Case in Nepal
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Geosciences
Abstract
This project examines the role of trust in biodiversity conservation and how trust can be promoted to reduce conservation conflict, through a case-study with National Trust for Nature Conservation, Nepal.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Samantha Staddon (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Omar Saif (Student) |
Publications
Pienkowski T
(2023)
Recognizing reflexivity among conservation practitioners.
in Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology
Rai J
(2022)
Imperiled: The Encyclopedia of Conservation
Saif O
(2022)
Imperiled: The Encyclopedia of Conservation
Saif O
(2022)
Making a case for the consideration of trust, justice and power in conservation relationships.
in Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/S007407/1 | 25/09/2019 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 2292276 | Studentship | NE/S007407/1 | 01/09/2019 | 31/05/2024 | Omar Saif |
| Description | Conservation projects are strongly reliant on trust between organizations and indigenous people and local communities. Trust-building is therefore taken very seriously by conservationists as they believe wildlife's fate depends on the relations they can build with locals. An issue that occurs however is that conservationists often seek to build trust with indigenous people and local communities so that environmental goals can be reached. What is often neglected are local peoples needs which are not always tied to wildlife. In many cases locals actually face injustices because they share the same spaces as wildlife populations. We therefore argued that justice, such as recognizing peoples culture and history, meaningful participation and equitable material distribution must be at the core of any trust-building exercise. Otherwise proposed partnerships will only serve interests of the powerful. We showed through multiple examples from around the world that justice and trust are very strongly linked and one cannot be thought about without the other if we are to achieve the best outcomes for people and nature. Our model is now going to be tested in the field as I begin the case-study aspect of the award in Nepal. |
| Exploitation Route | Too early to say, as work at present is largely theoretical, but we anticipate our model created can allow a more critical analysis in how partnerships are created in the space of biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. |
| Sectors | Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice |