Local people's attitudes to protected areas co-management: A case study of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh

The Sundarbans mangrove forest is the largest single-track mangrove forest in the world. In protected areas (PAs) co-management, which integrates local communities in the forest management structures, was started in Bangladesh in 2004. This study has investigated if the initiative has met its objectives. There has been taken four communities (Fishermen, Mawalies, Bawalies and a tribe Munda ) who live adjacent to the Sundarbans. A questionnaire survey was conducted with pre-selected statements. In the study shows the over all attitudes of local people are almost near the mean perceived level of the communities like Fishermen (2.90), Mawalies (2.93), Bawalies (2.95) and Munda (2.95). In the study area, local people expressed slightly negative attitudes to protected areas co- management. This study revealed the efficacy of co-management approach in strengthening the protected area system but it reducing the workplace and obstacles for their basic needs. The opinions of the maximum respondents are increasing AIG activities. They support PAs co-management but not cost of their lives, livelihoods and families. It is important to know the attitudes of local people to PAs co-management because, their needs, aspirations and attitudes should be considered in protected area management. Otherwise, the sustainable management of protected areas will endanger.

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