scholarly journals Factors influencing local attitudes and perceptions regarding jaguars Panthera onca and National Park conservation in Panama

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Fort ◽  
Clayton K. Nielsen ◽  
Andrew D. Carver ◽  
Ricardo Moreno ◽  
Ninon F. V. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Land Ownership ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Panthera Onca ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions

AbstractThroughout its range in Latin America the jaguar Panthera onca is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and conflict with humans. Protected areas in Panama harbour some of the last remaining suitable habitat for jaguars and are vital to conservation. However, no previous studies had assessed which factors in particular affect the tolerance of rural Panamanians towards jaguars and National Park conservation, which is important to jaguar persistence. Whether these factors are consistent with previous research on human–carnivore coexistence is unclear. To address this we estimated the number of instances of depredation of cattle by jaguars, and assessed attitudes and perceptions of rural Panamanians. We conducted semi-structured interviews in two disparate study areas: Cerro Hoya National Park and Darién National Park. Depredation events were more frequent in the latter, but only residents of the former reported conflict between people and coyotes Canis latrans. Positive perceptions of jaguars and National Parks, and criticism of park management, increased with level of education and land ownership. Men were more open to receiving help on their farms to mitigate impacts of jaguars, and more tolerant of the presence of jaguars, than women. Residents from both study areas indicated high appreciation for their respective National Parks. We provide recommendations to improve community outreach and education initiatives, and suggest priority areas for future mitigation efforts concerning human–jaguar interactions in Panama.

Outbound Mobility and Students' Decision Making Process

2016 ◽  
pp. 36-52
Author(s):  
Rashim Wadhwa
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
International Student ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Prospective Students ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Indian Students

The author explores the decision making process of Indian students and factors influencing the decision of going abroad from the lens of prospective students. The study involves a sample of 362 prospective students from India. The author used a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The findings revealed that Indian students' decision making process involves four stages and differs according to the type and level of education. This study also provides insights into international student recruiters related to potential clients' choices and usage of different marketing strategies.

If they Treated the Whole World like a National Park: Environmental Education by Teachers and Rangers

2002 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 47-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Slattery ◽  
Alison Lugg
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Education ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Nature Study ◽  
The Two Cultures ◽  
Potential Activity ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Community Issues

AbstractThis paper considers the role of rangers and education officers who present and represent their park on school trips to national parks, and their interactions with teachers who organise those trips. These shared encounters are commonplace events. They have an important potential and actual role in environmental education, but have not been the subject of much research. Both the teachers' environmental education objectives and the possibilities offered by parks are wide: nature study, ecology, parks as natural and cultural heritage, land management and community issues, recreational activities and their consequences. However this breadth of potential activity possibly exacerbates a gap between the two cultures that meet on such encounters, a gap that needs to be addressed if the participants are to be able to maximise their shared and separate concerns.Using semi-structured interviews, our research looked at the strengths and limitations of several school visits for both teachers and ranger. In this paper we report particularly on the importance of the ranger in the process. We suggest that the role of the ranger is an undervalued and under-supported link in effective environmental education.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effect on Marine National Parks in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onanong Cheablam ◽  
Utai Dachyosdee ◽  
Sonthaya Purintarapiban
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Marine Debris ◽  
Illegal Logging ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Aquatic Animals ◽  
Budget Support ◽  
Tourism Management ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment, including coral reefs, seagrasses, terrestrial/aquatic animals, waste/sewage, and the economy of 27 marine national parks and four marine national park operations centers. Structured interviews were employed in this study. The results from national park officers indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural resources, such as coral, seagrass, and terrestrial/aquatic animals, had recovered and become more productive since animals in the area were observed. In addition, the amount of waste in the area has decreased; however, some national parks still have problems with marine debris. In contrast, the economic findings indicated that the number of tourists, both Thai and foreign, has decreased, reducing the total national park revenue by THB 1,507,681,302 (USD 50,256,043). Our research shows that there is an important association between the reduction of tourists and environmental quality. In addition, a reduction in revenue may impact the environment through illegal logging and fishing. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology should be used for surveys in the national parks, regularly informing budget support from the government, and tourism management.

scholarly journals OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND CITIZEN’S VIEWPOINT OF ECOTOURISM IN AZERBAIJAN: CASE STUDY OF SHAHDAG NATIONAL PARK

2020 ◽  
pp. 167-183
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Asadov ◽  
◽  
Éva Erdélyi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Mass Tourism ◽  
The World ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

Growing dissatisfaction with mass tourism, ecotourism had become a major tool for achieving conservation and sustainable development goals by many developing countries by the mid. 1980s. Today, it is a major source of income for many developing countries across the world with being less destructive in the usage of natural resources than alternative economic sectors such as agriculture and logging. This study is concentrated on investigating and researching ecotourism within the context of national parks, more precisely within Shahdag National Park (SNP) of Azerbaijan. This study aims to find the existing gaps, disadvantages and challenges in the ecotourism system of SNP, identify the opinion and level of education of people of Azerbaijan about ecotourism and sustainability in general. To identify these, data were collected, and both quantitative and qualitative methods were implemented. Primary research included a questionnaire survey and interview. As the main result, it can be concluded that Shahdag National Park of Azerbaijan has immense ecotourism potential but this potential is not utilized to its fullest capacity.

scholarly journals Woodland Expansion in Upland National Parks: An Analysis of Stakeholder Views and Understanding in the Dartmoor National Park, UK

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 270
Author(s):  
Olivia FitzGerald ◽  
Catherine Collins ◽  
Clive Potter
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
National Park ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Farming Policy ◽  
Woodland Expansion

Woodland expansion on a significant scale is widely seen to be critical if governments are to achieve their net zero greenhouse gas ambitions. The United Kingdom government is committed to expanding tree cover from 13% to at least 17% in order to achieve net zero by 2050. With much lowland area under agricultural production, woodland expansion may be directed to upland areas, many of which are national parks under some degree of conservation jurisdiction. This may prove to be controversial, requiring full engagement with the interests of those individuals with a stake in their protection and management. In this paper, we explore how a range of stakeholders view the prospect of woodland expansion in Dartmoor National Park in southwest England, UK. Fifteen stakeholders—a mix of key informants and farmers—were shown different woodland expansion scenarios in map form and consulted using semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest widespread enthusiasm for woodland expansion, but with significant differences in terms of the scale and approach. Stakeholders raised topics of biodiversity gain, climate change mitigation, environmental benefits, cultural ecosystem gain, and forest crop benefits. Caution was expressed regarding target setting, the place of woodland expansion in the national debate, and the potential for harm from inappropriate new planting. The constraints identified were land tenure patterns, notably tenancy insecurity and ‘common land’ challenges, historical farming policy and culture, landscape objectives, and future policy design.

Insights into Community Attitudes and Perceptions at Borakalalo National Park, South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 002190962097057
Author(s):  
Ian Gordon-Cumming ◽  
Kevin Mearns
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Park ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Attitudes ◽  
Meaningful Participation ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions

Meaningful community participation is core to the long-term success of protected areas. Hence, it is important to understand what drives neighbouring community attitudes and perceptions. This study sought to determine local community attitudes towards conservation and protected areas, as well as their perceptions of benefits and participation at Borakalalo National Park. Semi-structured interviews were held with experienced park officials, while a structured household survey and focus group discussions were conducted across five surrounding villages. The results highlighted a number of interesting findings, including widespread support for biodiversity conservation and protected areas offset by considerable negativity towards Borakalalo itself. It was also determined, despite stated co-management policies, community residents perceived there was little meaningful participation and benefits were poorly communicated and unfairly distributed. Pragmatic suggestions were made for jointly developing more effective participation with the communities, despite limited available resources.

scholarly journals Factors influencing ecotourism in Wasur national park Merauke regency

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-126
Author(s):  
Samel W. Ririhena ◽  
Alexander Phuk Tjilen ◽  
Edi Cahyono ◽  
Inez Cara Alexander Phoek
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Government Planning ◽  
The Government

Government planning to promote tourism in Indonesia, including national parks, needs to be more serious to have a positive impact on the economic welfare of a region and the welfare of the community, the same things for Wasur National Park (TNW) in Merauke, Papua Province, Indonesia. This paper reports on the determinant factors of TNW's role in its management as ecotourism and conservation parks. This study uses qualitative methods, with semi-structured interviews and face-to-face. Interviews were conducted with the Department of Tourism, TNW managers, Non-Governmental Organizations, community leaders, religious leaders and researchers from Musamus University and field observers. This research results as follows: TNW has a tourist attraction in the form of a natural panorama consisting of several different spots, many tourists who are not recorded (do not pay entrance fees). Lodging and culinary facilities are still managed traditionally. Therefore, foreign tourists bring their own equipment and needs. In general, transportation to TNW is relatively expensive. The Local Government provides buses for transportation from Merauke Regency to TNW, but tourists prefer renting a car. Local wisdom has contributed so that the natural conditions of TNW are still well preserved and most are still natural. On the other hand, there has not been a serious effort to promote TNW and partnership cooperation with related industries to optimize the potential of TNW has not been done much. The results of this study are crucial for the Government, industry, and the community in a joint effort to optimize the potential of TNW ecotourism to obtain a positive impact on economic life, improve community welfare and conservation.

Elements to Successful Interpretation: A Multiple Case Study of Five National Parks

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug Knapp ◽  
Gregory M. Benton
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Basic Program ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Interpretive Programs

The multiple case study described further investigates and identifies elements associated with successful interpretive programs through assessing what is perceived as important elements by interpreters in five U. S. National Park units. Data sources included semi-structured interviews with interpretive personnel, analysis of documentation related to interpretive programs in the units, and participant observation of interpretive programs conducted at each site. Four themes surfaced from this data: (a) an interpretive program must relate to the visitor, (b) it must attempt to achieve its goals through innovative techniques, (c) attain basic program needs and, (d) promote community outreach. One discrepancy found, based on the researchers’ analysis of program observations, was no attempt at receiving responses from the program participants. This “one-way” form of communication differs from the profession's interest in connecting with the visitor. One recommendation from this study is to explore constructivist learning strategies that could help bring about “two-way” communication between the interpreter and visitor.

scholarly journals Factors influencing perceived appropriateness of concessioner activity in Grand Teton

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 131-141
Author(s):  
Nicholas Pitas
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Place Identity ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Visitor Experience ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Social Liberalism ◽  
A Current

Concessioner provided services are integral to the national park visitor experience, and with visitation across NPS units growing steadily, services provided by these public-private-partnerships will likely only increase in importance. Despite this, concerns exist regarding the presence of for-profit entities within national parks. While private businesses may be more responsive to consumers, their presence raises questions regarding equity, access, and perceptions of ownership. The purpose of this study was to assess factors that may influence visitor’s perceptions of appropriateness regarding (a) current and (b) future concessioner activities within Grand Teton National park (GTNP). Regression analyses indicate the importance of personal values, rather than actual experiences (positive or negative) with concessions in shaping perceived appropriateness of future concessions activity. Satisfaction with concessions services, amount of concessions activity that respondents perceived in the park in the present, and trust in GTNP were all non-factors in determining anticipated future appropriateness. Instead, a belief that concessions activity would increase, social liberalism, economic conservatism, and place identity with GTNP were related to perceptions that concessioner activity at GTNP would be inappropriately high in the future. Although the regression predicting future beliefs was robust (R2 = 0.43), no variables significantly predicted current beliefs (R2 = 0.05).   Featured photo by Grand Teton on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/2jf3fa9

scholarly journals Visitor satisfaction with services for environmental interpretation in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Thi Thuy Linh Phan
Keyword(s):  
Performance Analysis ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Environmental Interpretation ◽  
Visitor Satisfaction ◽  
Interpretive Services ◽  
Cat Tien National Park ◽  
Satisfaction With Services

<p>The increase in visitor demand creates more and more pressures on visitor management, especially in protected areas like national parks. Environmental interpretation is regarded as an effective soft management strategy that aims to educate visitors in national parks. However, no study about visitor satisfaction with environmental interpretation using Importance-Performance analysis has been undertaken in national parks in general and national parks of Vietnam in particular. This study attempts to fill in the research gaps in the literature by examining visitor satisfaction with services for environmental interpretation in Cat Tien National Park of Vietnam using Importance-Performance Analysis. The research aims are: (1) To identify current interpretive services in Cat Tien National Park; (2) To explore visitor use of these services for environmental interpretation; (3) To investigate visitor satisfaction with these services using Importance-Performance Analysis and (4) To analyze similarities and differences in visitor satisfaction with services according to motivation-based segments and market-based segments.  Secondary research, a site visit and three semi-structured interviews were first implemented to provide information background for the study. Next, the main survey for both international and domestic visitors was conducted at the entry point of Cat Tien National Park. Data from 237 pre-visit and post-visit questionnaires collected in four weeks was then analyzed with relevant statistical analyses. Market-based segmentation and motivation-based segmentation were also implemented to analyze the data.  The findings show that site interpreters were the most important service provider for environmental interpretation in Cat Tien National Park. Site interpreters, interpretive signs and staff at the museum are very important and very satisfying services for environmental interpretation. Displays at the museum need to be redesigned to meet visitor satisfaction. Moreover, videos at the rescue centre need to improve the performance to ensure domestic visitor satisfaction. With regard to twelve roles of site interpreters, the role for a comfortable pace of the trip, the role for a good group organisation, the communicative roles and the roles of an environmental interpreter are important and satisfying roles according to visitors. The performance of the instrumental role for visitor safety and the social role for a positive group environment need to be enhanced to meet visitor satisfaction. Also, two roles of a motivator of responsible behaviour need to be enhanced to meet the satisfaction of “Passive visitors” and “Active learners”, as well as international visitors.  The study highlights the need for continuing research on visitor satisfaction with environmental interpretation using importance performance analysis and visitor segmentation. Some management implications were given for future development of services for environmental interpretation in Cat Tien National Park.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document