A multi-level analysis of links between government institutions and community-based conservation: insights from Iran

Abstract

Community-based conservation (CBC) is widely recognized as an important strategy (locally, nationally, and internationally) in efforts to conserve biodiversity. This article examines approaches to improve the effectiveness of CBC by resolving tensions between government institutions and local communities, in terms of respective environmental stewardship activities. These tensions are explored in detail within the context of Iran, and specifically how its conservation and protected area policy and practice interact with its history of indigenous and local conservation. A multi-level analysis considers tensions at the national level but also locally, on Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf. The local-level conservation practices of the island reflect its cultural and stewardship traditions, based on reciprocal links of people and nature. Communities on Qeshm Island utilize a range of collective actions to deal with social, economic, and environmental threats, through a multi-faceted approach that includes maintaining traditional practices, initiating culturally-appropriate economic activity, and engaging in conservation efforts, such as those based on sacred species and sites, on coastal community conservation, and on locally-controlled ecotourism. However, tensions arise between these local activities and government initiatives, especially related to economic development, posing a challenge to local-level stewardship and its mutual benefits for ecosystem health and sustainability of livelihoods. There are various possibilities for overcoming these problems and reinforcing community conservation, including through reinforcement of spatial measures, such as community conserved areas.

Keywords

• collective action
• community-based conservation
• ecotourism
• environmental stewardship
• protected areas
• qeshm island