Publisher's Synopsis
Parks face intense pressure both to conserve biodiversity and to provide economic opportunities for rural communities. Based on the insight from over 50 case studies, this book synthesizes lessons to guide park management in transitional economies where the challenges of poverty and governance can be severe.;The central insight is that parks are common property regimes that supposedly serve society. If parks are set aside to serve poor people, should conservation demands overrule demands for jobs and economic growth? Or will deliberately using parks as bridgeheads for better land use and engines for rural development produce more and better conservation? Accountability emerges as a major issue at all levels, including the problematic linkages between park authorities and the political system, and the ability to measure park performance. This book provides lessons in park management regarding the relationship between conservation and commercialization, performance management, new systems of governance and management and linkages between parks, landscape and the land-use economy.
