Abstract:
The Northern Rwandan Volcanoes National Park (VNP) is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. It is under growing threat from conflicts between people and wildlife as well as pressure from land use change that degrades habitat. Fencing was chosen as one of the methods of conservation to protect its biodiversity and lessen wildlife conflicts with nearby residents. Less is known, though, about the ways in which this approach influenced the socioeconomic and ecological growth of the neighborhoods surrounding the park. The purpose of this project is to investigate how fencing strategy and/or intervention pray a role to balance socioeconomic development and biodiversity conservation in the regions surrounding Volcanoes National Park in the northern province of Rwanda. In addition to supporting a wide variety of species, like as the endangered mountain gorilla, the park has previously faced problems with resource degradation, expansion, and conflict between people and wildlife. In order to assess how the park's fencing design contributes to lowering human-wildlife conflict, protecting habitats, and enhancing the standard of living for nearby populations, the study employed a mixed-methods approach that included questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. According to my research, fences have improved food security and economic stability for those living close to the VNP while also somewhat lowering the frequency of crop raiding and animal predation. Additionally, by decreasing illegal access and enhancing biological integrity within the protected area, the method enhanced conservation results. Nonetheless, the study also highlights the significance of inclusive management techniques and community concerns around access to traditional resources. The results highlight how important it is to combine ecological preservation with local development objectives in order to reap the long-term advantages of conservation. Additionally, the study identifies the wildlife species that are most and least impacted by the technique, as well as the function that fencing plays in preserving endangered wildlife species and the effects that the strategy has on local customs and cultural values.
