Wetland site in YDNP.

Wetlands in Yok Don National Park play an integral role in biodiversity and local tribal livelihoods and culture, leading to conflict between wetland conservation and the demand for natural resources. This project will assess the potential for developing an adaptive co-management strategy for managing Yok Don National Park that can assist in resolving this conflict. Social-ecological systems models of park values, resource use and management will be jointly developed with local people and park managers to enhance shared understanding of the wetland system. Changes in perceived potential for adaptive co-management will be tracked as this shared understanding develops.

The project will assist local people in systematically identifying how they use the park and communicating this information to park managers through interviews and the development of conceptual models. At the same time, the modelling exercise will be used to communicate conservation issues faced by the managers to the local communities. The project will then assess the effectiveness of this process in enhancing shared understanding and providing a basis for negotiation between park managers and the community. Such shared understanding is a necessary first step towards development of a more collaborative approach to management. The flow on effects of enhanced understanding will be determined through identifying any changes in the institutional, governance and management structures and processes within the park towards a more adaptive co-management framework.