“The more value African countries derive from PAs, the more importance they will attach to them and the more effectively they will be regulated and protected. Similarly, if local communities consider natural resources and wildlife as central to their livelihoods, they will use these resources in a more sustainable manner. However, with disputes over land claims and land tenure and a lack of equitable compensation schemes, as well as the absence of strong governance mechanisms, people will utilise natural resources beyond sustainable levels. This will have a negative impact on the health and integrity of ecosystems and threaten their ability to provide essential natural services.”
