Conservation Biology

Volume 21, Issue 3 p. 647-658

The Role of Research in Evaluating Conservation Strategies in Tanzania: the Case of the Katavi-Rukwa Ecosystem

El Papel de la Investigación en la Evaluación de Estrategias de Conservación en Tanzania: el Caso del Ecosistema Katavi-Rukwa

MONIQUE BORGERHOFF MULDER,

MONIQUE BORGERHOFF MULDER

Department of Anthropology and Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A., email [email protected]

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TIM CARO,

TIM CARO

Department of Anthropology and Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A., email [email protected]

Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A.

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OMARI AYUBU MSAGO,

Corresponding Author

OMARI AYUBU MSAGO

Kibaoni Village, Box 37, Mpanda, Tanzania

Current address: Wildlife Conservation Society, Rungwa-Ruaha Program, SLP 1654 Iringa, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this author

MONIQUE BORGERHOFF MULDER,

MONIQUE BORGERHOFF MULDER

Department of Anthropology and Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A., email [email protected]

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TIM CARO,

TIM CARO

Department of Anthropology and Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A., email [email protected]

Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A.

Search for more papers by this author

OMARI AYUBU MSAGO,

Corresponding Author

OMARI AYUBU MSAGO

Kibaoni Village, Box 37, Mpanda, Tanzania

Current address: Wildlife Conservation Society, Rungwa-Ruaha Program, SLP 1654 Iringa, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this author

First published: 22 May 2007

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2007.00703.x

Citations: 39

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Abstract

Abstract: Strict protectionism, resource extraction, protected-area community outreach, ecotourism, an integrated conservation and development program, comanagement schemes, and citizen-science initiatives are all being used to help conserve the remote Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem in western Tanzania. Biological and social research show that protectionism is successful in the conservation of large mammals but fails to capture diverse species communities; extractivism is appropriate for some resources but not for others; protected-area outreach can be effective for some communities; and devolved control over wildlife, in conjunction with ecotourism and citizen science, has considerable potential in the area. The long-term nature of the research provides the necessary time frame to evaluate outcomes of different conservation strategies, uncovers dynamics within communities that affect attitudes and responses to conservation initiatives, provides impartial recommendations because changing research personnel offers different viewpoints, and, probably most importantly, enhances trust among stakeholders. Currently, there are limited institutional mechanisms for ensuring the input of biological and social science in shaping conservation practice in Tanzania, and long-term research can help informally bridge the gap

Abstract

Resumen: El proteccionismo estricto, la extracción de recursos, el acercamiento comunitario en áreas protegidas, el ecoturismo, un programa integral de conservación y desarrollo, los esquemas de cogestión y las iniciativas ciencia-ciudadanos son utilizados para ayudar a conservar el remoto ecosistema Katavi-Rukwa en el occidente de Tanzania. La investigación biológica y social muestran que el proteccionismo es exitoso para la conservación de mamíferos mayores pero falla cuando se trata de comunidades ricas en especies; la extracción es adecuada para ciertos recursos pero no para otros; el alcance de las áreas protegidas puede ser efectivo para algunas comunidades; y la devolución del control sobre la vida silvestre, conjuntamente con el ecoturismo y la ciencia ciudadana, tiene un potencial considerable en el área. La naturaleza de largo plazo de la investigación proporciona el marco de tiempo necesario para evaluar los resultados de diferentes estrategias de conservación, descubre la dinámica dentro de las comunidades que afecta las actitudes y respuestas a las iniciativas de conservación, proporciona recomendaciones imparciales debido a diferentes puntos de vista del personal de investigación y, probablemente lo más importante, refuerza la confianza entre los actores involucrados. Actualmente, los mecanismos institucionales para asegurar la incorporación de ciencia biológica y social en el modelo de conservación en Tanzania son limitados, y la investigación de largo plazo puede ayudar a estrechar la brecha.

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Volume21, Issue3

June 2007

Pages 647-658

The Role of Research in Evaluating Conservation Strategies in Tanzania: the Case of the Katavi-Rukwa Ecosystem

El Papel de la Investigación en la Evaluación de Estrategias de Conservación en Tanzania: el Caso del Ecosistema Katavi-Rukwa

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Abstract

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The Role of Research in Evaluating Conservation Strategies in Tanzania: the Case of the Katavi-Rukwa Ecosystem

El Papel de la Investigación en la Evaluación de Estrategias de Conservación en Tanzania: el Caso del Ecosistema Katavi-Rukwa

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