Convergence and divergence in the economic performance of wildlife tourism within multi-reserve landscapes. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chidakel, Alexander; Child, Brian
• Is Part Of: Land use policy. Volume 120(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Protected areas -- Wildlife tourism -- Economic impacts -- Governance -- Management -- Tenure; Land use -- Periodicals; Land use -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Sol, Utilisation du -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation du -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.7305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8377

Abstract

Abstract: The economic performance, through wildlife tourism, of African protected areas (PAs) varies widely. Though proximal management level factors responsible for economic performance and conservation outcomes are well known, underlying institutional, governance and organizational factors, which influence management regimes, have not been as extensively studied. In this paper, an institutional-economic framework forms the basis of a cross-sectional comparison of the local economic contributions of state, private, and communal PAs of the Lower Luangwa Valley in the institutionally centralized country of Zambia, and of the Greater Kruger National Park system in the institutionally devolved country of South Africa. Whereas in South Africa, private reserves neighboring the national park generate the majority of economic benefits, in Zambia, wildlife-related benefits from private and communal PAs are few relative to the neighboring national park. The contrast underscores the role of property regimes and other policies in the economic integration of public parks with surrounding landscapes. From an organizational and governance perspective, the performance of state-managed parks in both settings is tied to an ability to retain revenue, while the performance of co-governed PAs is undermined by power inequities between governing partners. These observations and their implications for policy reform are made clearer through the systematic collection and analysis of PA economic data, which our framework can guide. Highlights: Financial & economic returns from wildlife show large variation in two park systems. This variation correlates with property & governance institutions, & organization. Institutional & organizational mismatch undermines effectiveness of buffer areas. Institutional & organizational alignment drives commercialization of buffer areas. Institutional reform will require innovation and a stronger civil society.