scholarly journals Local Communities’ Awareness on Payments for Ecosystem Services for Improved Livelihood and Conservation of Nyando Wetland, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 969-980
Author(s):  
Joseph K. Maithya ◽  
Felix L.M. Ming’ate ◽  
Sammy C. Letema
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Worth Living ◽  
Payment For Ecosystem Services ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Natural Resource Conservation

Nyando wetland provides several ecosystem goods and services, i.e., provisioning, cultural, supporting and regulating which are essential for human well-being for making life possible and worth living. Payment for Ecosystem Services presents one key question in current literature on whether local communities are aware of ecosystem services provided by wetlands. This paper contributes to the understanding of the local community’s level of awareness of the ecosystem services provided by Nyando wetland in Kenya as a strategy to improve protection of wetlands. The study is significant as it proposes policy options that can assist conservation authorities and local communities in management of wetlands. A stratified random sampling based on two administrative sub-counties, namely Nyando and Nyakach was employed to collect quantitative data from 394 households using a structured questionnaire. The quantitative data was subjected to descriptive statistics and Chi-square test which were performed in SPSS version 20. The results confirmed that the local community is more conversant with the provisioning ecosystem services (37.7%) compared to the other classes of ecosystem services. Despite the locals being involved in community based natural resource conservation initiatives, majority of the respondents (69%) were not familiar with the concept of Payment for Ecosystem Services. Therefore, there is need to create awareness and capacity building to local communities on the importance of both the wetland ecosystem services and Payment for Ecosystem Services in conservation of wetlands for enhanced community livelihoods. Keywords: Payment for ecosystem services; wetland; conservation; community; livelihood; awareness

scholarly journals Factors Influencing People's Response Toward Tiger Translocation in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Eastern India

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaishali Vasudeva ◽  
Pitchai Ramasamy ◽  
Rabi Sankar Pal ◽  
Gatikrishna Behera ◽  
Pradeep Raj Karat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Forest Department ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Tiger Reserve ◽  
Tiger Conservation

Local communities are an important stakeholder in any carnivore translocation programme and therefore, their acceptance of the translocation and support are essential to ensure its viability. Recent tiger augmentation efforts in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, India received mixed responses from the local communities, causing a stalemate in its progress. As a part of the adaptive management strategy, it was required to assess the concerns and issues to provide a practical solution. Hence, we analyzed the attitude of the people toward conservation in general and tiger specifically. We used structured questionnaire surveys and interviewed 1,932 households from 43 villages located in and around the reserve. We tested the influence of several variables representing four categories- (1) socio-economic, (2) ecosystem values and dependence, (3) relationship with the forest department and (4) losses and fear, on the attitude toward tiger conservation. The villages were clustered based on the responses received under these categories. While conserving forest was important to 91% of respondents, 71% of respondents supported wildlife conservation and only 35% felt important to conserve tiger. The logistic binary regression predicted that at the household level attitude toward tiger conservation is influenced positively by economic well-being, sense of forest ecosystem services, resource dependence and negatively influenced by restrictions from the forest department, and previous experience of loss due to wildlife. At the village level, literacy, resource dependence, access to clean cooking fuel and cooperation from the forest department predicted a positive attitude toward tiger conservation. Restriction from the forest department, fear for livestock, and experience of losses due to wildlife had a negative influence on attitude. We recommend that the villages in the landscape are prioritized based on their needs and accordingly, specific interventions are made to address their concerns. Future augmentation programme must give importance to intangible factors such as fear and perceived restrictions and opt for the involvement of the local community in the decision-making process.

The Role of Trade Policy in Sustainable Tourism Inclusivity in Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 169-182
Author(s):  
Msafiri Njoroge
Keyword(s):  
Community Participation ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Trade Policies ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Practical Sense

When local communities are allowed to participate fully in tourism trade activities either through supplying goods and services or direct employment in the tourism sector-inclusiveness of tourism, trade can be realized in a practical sense. Research indicates that, in most tourist destinations in Africa, the tourism trade continues to be characterized by environmental and social-cultural degradation and inadequate local community participation associated with revenue leakages and weak economic linkages. The mechanism on how tourism trade contributes inclusively on local communities' benefits such as inclusive growth and poverty alleviation remains unclear. Despite destination economies engaging in services liberalization, little evidence exists on how such trade policies have been beneficial at enhancing inclusive benefits of the tourism trade. Therefore, this chapter aims to clarify how trade policies can be employed to promote the inclusiveness of the tourism trade.

scholarly journals Disaggregating Ecosystem Benefits: An Integrated Environmental-Deprivation Index

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Hazell
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Environmental Deprivation

The valuation of ecosystem services has become an integral part of smart urban planning practices. Traditionally designed to bridge ecology and economy through economic language and logic (e.g., goods and services), this conceptual framework has developed into an effective tool for interdisciplinary work. The concept of ecosystem services is used to improve the management of ecosystems for human well-being. However, gaps in how to govern ecological benefits remain. Specifically, identifying which stakeholders benefit the most from the provision of ecosystem services remains largely unaddressed. This study examines the spatial discordance between ecosystem services and the residential stakeholders who may benefit. Using a landscape approach to quantify urban ecosystem services, an area-based composite index was developed for the City of Toronto, Canada, based on the three pillars of sustainability in order to identify potentially vulnerable populations. This method combines the use of principal component analysis (PCA) and spatial multicriteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) to combine and weight a select grouping of socioeconomic and ecological indicators. In addition, two sets of enumeration units (i.e., dissemination areas and census tracts) were evaluated to assess the potential impact of measurement scale on subsequent decision or policy outcomes. Results indicate the spatial interdependencies between ecological and socioeconomic processes in an urban setting, offering a unique framework for novel planning and policy intervention strategies. The influence of measurement scale was demonstrated, creating an opportunity to assess an appropriate policy scale by which to measure and evaluate trends over time and space. This approach seeks to provide a flexible and intuitive planning tool that can help to achieve goals relating to urban sustainability, resiliency and equity.

scholarly journals Ecosystem and Ecological Services; Need for Biodiversity Conservation-A Critical Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
C. E. Oguh ◽  
E. N. O. Obiwulu ◽  
O. J. Umezinwa ◽  
S. E. Ameh ◽  
C. V. Ugwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chloride Ions ◽  
Worth Living ◽  
Organic Salts ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
The Future ◽  
Aesthetic Enjoyment

Biodiversity and ecosystems are closely related concepts. Biodiversity provides numerous ecosystem services that are crucial and important to human well-being at present and in the future. The review aim to explain the Ecosystem services, and need for conservation of biodiversity. Ecosystem services (also called environmental services or nature’s services) are benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, which contribute to making human life both possible and worth living. Human kind fully depends on the earth’s ecosystems and the services they provide, such as food, water, disease management, climate regulation, spiritual fulfillment and aesthetic enjoyment. Over the past 50 years, humans have changed these ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than ever before, so that growing demands for food, fresh water, timber, fiber and fuel can be met. Pollution through the discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid waste (e.g. plastics) exacerbates the related problems. Environmental pollution results from mishandling, deliberate disposal, spilling and leakage of waste products, such as gasoline, lubricating oils, diesel fuel, heating oil’s, used or spent engine oils, animal wastes, human excreta, certain dissolved organic compound (e.g. urea, carbohydrate etc.), and organic salts such as nitrates, soap, phosphates of detergent, sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride ions. Under natural process most of the biodegradable pollutants of sewage are rapidly decomposed, but when they accumulate in large quantities, they create problems, i.e., when their input into environment exceeds the decomposition or disposal capacity. Ecosystem health is inherently linked to water management, sanitation and agriculture as these aspects influence water availability and quality. The loss of biodiversity can reduce the provision of ecosystem services essential for human well-being. Therefore, sustainable sanitation and water management is crucial for a more sustainable ecosystem management in the future.

scholarly journals FRAME-CONCEPT OF VALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM ASSETS OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES

2021 ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
Oksana Veklych
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Nature Management ◽  
Dimensional Model ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Professional Literature ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Management Measures

For the first time in the professional literature the theoretical and methodological composition of the three-dimensional model of the frame-concept of assessment of ecosystem assets of territorial communities is revealed and presented. This frame-concept forms the general conceptual basis and logistic algorithm of practical actions for implementation the assessment of ecosystem assets of territorial communities in the practice of nature management. In accordance with the existing typology of concepts, the characteristics of the frame-concept of assessment of ecosystem assets of territorial communities are given. The main elements of the three-dimensional model of the frame-concept of assessment of ecosystem assets of territorial communities, which are identified by its construction according to the appropriate logistic algorithm of its composition, are established. This algorithm should be performed in several successive iterations. The first is the analysis and structural-functional description of the categorical basis of the concept of ecosystem assets as producers of ecosystem services, which represents the studied frame-concept. The second iteration involves in-depth disclosure of the content and features of ecosystem assets of territorial communities as a notion. The third is to describe ways to assess the ecosystem assets of local communities as a two-dimensional formation, providing an appropriate level of detail. The fourth iteration is the definition of the numerical formalization of the semantic sphere of ecosystem assets, in particular the numerical formalization of the value measurement of ecosystem assets as producers of ecosystem services. The fifth is a study of scenarios for assessing the ecosystem assets of local communities. The subject-object and other components of the scenario of assessment of ecosystem assets of a particular territorial community, which are written in its corresponding scheme, are shown. In the future, this, in turn, allows us to design the nature of the relationship between the local community as the owner of ecosystem assets and other beneficiaries of their use. This will make it possible to address the level of responsibility for the functioning of the ecosystem assets that produce these services, as well as when considering eco-compensation for the consumption of specific types of ecosystem services or their loss. As a result, the study of the frame-concept of assessment of ecosystem assets of territorial communities created an appropriate theoretical and methodological platform that forms its holistic view and understanding by scientists and practitioners. Therefore, it will help to justify and implement real management measures to assess ecosystem assets belonging to specific local communities.

scholarly journals LOCAL COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF THE CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF DEFORESTATION OF KAPTAGAT FOREST, UASIN GISHU COUNTY

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Community Involvement ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Community Perception ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Natural Resource Conservation

Understanding the local community perceptions and attitudes towards natural resource conservation is recognised a useful step in identifying strategies of involving community members in conservation programmes. The main aim of the current study was to determine the local community perception of the causes and effects of the deforestation of Kaptagat Forest. Descriptive research design was used to determine the causes of deforestation, extent of deforestation, the socio economic impacts, and the measures that have been put in place to control and stop further deforestation. Systematic random sampling was used to administer questionnaires to the target population and results analysed using chi-square tests. The results showed that the respondents differed significantly on the causes of deforestation. of Kaptagat.. Apparently illegal logging, charcoal burning and firewood were identified as the most important drivers of deforestation. Majority of the respondents felt that the forest has been highly deforested. The majority felt that reduction in water volumes in streams, changes in rainfall patterns, increased soil erosion and siltation were making the community worse off socioeconomically. Furthermore, the community felt that there was a strong relationship between the level of poverty and the level of deforestation of Kaptagat Forest, thus revealing an understanding of the tripartite relationship between development, environment and conservation of the forest. In addition, the informants pointed out the need for increased local community involvement in conservation of the forest through strengthening of CFAs, creating more conservation awareness and encouraging sustainable use of forest resources. This study provides important insight and data on what has increasingly been recognised as crucial conditions for effective management of natural resources, particularly the management of forests in the rural settings.

scholarly journals Metodologie, percorsi operativi e strumenti per lo sviluppo delle cooperative di comunità nelle aree interne italiane

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Environmental Vulnerability ◽  
Present Essay

The present essay includes the main results of the research project on community-based cooperatives, promoted in 2018 by Fondosviluppo and FEDAM, and implemented by researchers of University of Molise. The volume highlights the potential and the modes of operating of community-based cooperatives, which carry out a mix of productive and socially useful activities for local community well-being. The research, through a new methodological and operational path, reaches the following results: a) devise a strategy to detect the degree of social, economic and environmental vulnerability levels of Italian inner areas; b) outline the needs of local communities; c) define the role of community-based cooperatives in bridging regional gaps, also identifying their possible policy support.

scholarly journals Improving Mood Through Community Connection and Resources Using an Interactive Digital Platform: Development and Usability Study

10.2196/25834 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e25834
Author(s):  
Robin Ortiz ◽  
Lauren Southwick ◽  
Rachelle Schneider ◽  
Elissa V Klinger ◽  
Arthur Pelullo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Interactive Tool ◽  
Mood Rating ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background COVID-19 continues to disrupt global health and well-being. In April-May 2020, we generated a digital, remote interactive tool to provide health and well-being resources and foster connectivity among community members through a text messaging platform. Objective This study aimed to prospectively investigate the ability of a health system–based digital, remote, interactive tool to provide health and well-being resources to local community participants and to foster connectivity among them during the early phases of COVID-19. Methods We performed descriptive and nonparametric longitudinal statistical analyses to describe and compare the participants’ mood ratings over time and thematic analysis of their responses to text messages to further assess mood. Results From among 393 individuals seeking care in an urban emergency department in an academic setting, engaged in a two-way text messaging platform, we recorded 287 mood ratings and 368 qualitative responses. We observed no difference in the initial mood rating by week of enrollment [Kruskal-Wallis chi-square H(5)=1.34; P=.93], and the average mood rating did not change for participants taken together [Friedman chi-square Q(3)=0.32; P=.96]. However, of participants providing mood ratings at baseline, mood improved significantly among participants who reported a low mood rating at baseline [n=25, 14.97%; Q(3)=20.68; P<.001] but remained stable among those who reported a high mood rating at baseline [n=142, 85.03%; Q(3)=2.84; P=.42]. Positive mood elaborations most frequently included words related to sentiments of thankfulness and gratitude, mostly for a sense of connection and communication; in contrast, negative mood elaborations most frequently included words related to anxiety. Conclusions Our findings suggest the feasibility of engaging individuals in a digital community with an emergency department facilitation. Specifically, for those who opt to engage in a text messaging platform during COVID-19, it is feasible to assess and respond to mood-related queries with vetted health and well-being resources.

LOCAL COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF THE CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF DEFORESTATION OF KAPTAGAT FOREST, UASIN GISHU COUNTY

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Community Involvement ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Community Perception ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Natural Resource Conservation

Understanding the local community perceptions and attitudes towards natural resource conservation is recognised a useful step in identifying strategies of involving community members in conservation programmes. The main aim of the current study was to determine the local community perception of the causes and effects of the deforestation of Kaptagat Forest. Descriptive research design was used to determine the causes of deforestation, extent of deforestation, the socio economic impacts, and the measures that have been put in place to control and stop further deforestation. Systematic random sampling was used to administer questionnaires to the target population and results analysed using chi-square tests. The results showed that the respondents differed significantly on the causes of deforestation. of Kaptagat.. Apparently illegal logging, charcoal burning and firewood were identified as the most important drivers of deforestation. Majority of the respondents felt that the forest has been highly deforested. The majority felt that reduction in water volumes in streams, changes in rainfall patterns, increased soil erosion and siltation were making the community worse off socioeconomically. Furthermore, the community felt that there was a strong relationship between the level of poverty and the level of deforestation of Kaptagat Forest, thus revealing an understanding of the tripartite relationship between development, environment and conservation of the forest. In addition, the informants pointed out the need for increased local community involvement in conservation of the forest through strengthening of CFAs, creating more conservation awareness and encouraging sustainable use of forest resources. This study provides important insight and data on what has increasingly been recognised as crucial conditions for effective management of natural resources, particularly the management of forests in the rural settings.

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