ROLE OF A PROTECTED AREA IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION: A CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL CHAMBAL SANCTUARY, INDIA

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the direct benefits received by local people in terms of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) from the National Chambal Sanctuary using the market price method (MPM). A focused group discussion and participatory observation method have been adopted to elicit the information required for the study in adjoining villages of the Sanctuary. The results reveal that the local people benefit from the Sanctuary in terms of various non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, fuel food, honey, and some other useful products. Based on the market price method and the survey of 643 household, this study concludes that, on average, a household gets a value worth INR 23,001.57 per year from the Sanctuary. Despite multiple managerial issues and challenges faced by the Sanctuary, the results of the study indicate the considerable importance of protected areas from the local households’ perspective. There is a need to connect PAs with development and poverty alleviation goals along with protection, which is presently missing in the study area. Following a bottom-up approach with proper involvement of local communities would be suitable for the sustainable biodiversity management of the Sanctuary/protected areas.