Abstract
Local peoples’ attitudes towards protected areas are based on local values, perceptions and experiences with management. The relationships of residents of La Tigra National Park (LTNP) to the forest, park and park management and key issues are identified and recommendations on integrating conservation and livelihood into park management are presented. Although formal conservation knowledge was relatively low, local forest and livelihood values were evident. Key issues were use of resources, land rights and livelihood restriction as well as lack of economic benefits and lack of participation in management activities. In order to better integrate conservation and livelihood needs management should increase participation, create a compensation system, facilitate a local system for resource extraction permitting, develop a community tree planting program, and increasing transparency and communication between communities and management bodies. Incorporating local values and perceptions into park management may lead to more sustainable communities and more viable protected areas.
