Assessing Local Indigenous Knowledge and Information Sources on Biodiversity, Conservation and Protected Area Management at Khuvsgol Lake National Park, Mongolia

Christopher McCarthy, Hitoshi Shinjo, Buho Hoshino and Erdenebuyan Enkhjargal
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Christopher McCarthy: Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Hitoshi Shinjo: Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Buho Hoshino: Graduate School of Dairy Sciences, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-0836, Japan
Erdenebuyan Enkhjargal: Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University, Kyoto Prefecture 602-8580, Japan

Land, 2018, vol. 7, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: Indigenous knowledge about biodiversity and conservation is valuable and can be used to sustainably manage protected areas; however, indigenous communities continue to be marginalized due to the belief that their values and behaviors do not align with the overarching mission of conservation. This paper explores the extent of local knowledge and awareness of biodiversity, conservation and protected area management of indigenous communities at Khuvsgol Lake National Park, Mongolia. We investigate current levels of biodiversity awareness and explore perceptions toward conservation values and park management governance. Most respondents had a high awareness of existing biodiversity and held positive attitudes toward nature conservation and protected areas; however, insufficient knowledge of park rules and low levels of trust between local residents and park authorities may undermine conservation objectives in the long run. We identify an unequal share of economic benefits from tourism and preferential treatment toward elite business owners as a source of conflict. Limited information channels and poor communication between local residents and park authorities are also a source for low-level participation in conservation activities. Leveraging the increasing use of information communication technology, such as mobile phones, can serve as a new mechanism for improved information sharing and transparent reporting between local communities, conservationists and protected area authorities.

Keywords: protected areas; biodiversity; conservation; protected area management; information communication technology; Mongolia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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