The impact of national park construction on the livelihood capital of original residents: A case study of the Qilian Mountain National Park system pilot

Abstract

While achieving ecological protection, the construction of national park inevitably has an impact on livelihood capital of original residents. Determining livelihood impact of national parks is essential for harmonizing ecological protection and livelihood development. In this study, we have conducted a field survey of 247 households in bordering villages of Qilian Mountain National Park (QMNP). We used difference-in-difference model (with fixed effect and with score propensity matching) to evaluate the net impact of the pilot construction of QMNP on livelihood capital of original residents. The results showed that the pilot construction of QMNP has no significant impact on the total livelihood capital of original residents. Specifically, the impact of the pilot construction of QMNP on natural capital and physical capital was negative. Households inside the pilot area experienced more significant reductions in grassland area, arable area and the scale of large livestock production. At the same time, we also observed a significant increase in social capital. This should be the result of increasing the diversity of livelihoods or changing livelihood strategies. The ecological compensation system close to the needs of residents and the rational development of economic activities in the general control area will help to achieve the balance between ecological protection and livelihood development in QMNP. Our study results can provide a reference for evaluating the effects of national park construction and improving policy design.

Keywords

• National park
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Impact evaluating
• Difference-in-differences