Abstract: Protected areas are a key strategy for protecting biological, but remain contentious due to their negative impacts on local communities and mixed evidence on their ability to conserve species and habitats. Because these protected areas limit agricultural development and exploitation of natural resources, they are frequently opposed in developing nations where reducing poverty is an important social objective.
Towards the above ends, the present study analyses local residents' attitudes, knowledge, and concept of values concerning conservation and the management of natural resources in the Reserve. A survey was administered of 110 households in three operational sectors located within the Reserve boundaries. Survey results indicated that local residents living within....
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, Itombwe Nature Reserve,Local community, Perception, Protected area,
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