Management effectiveness of Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam and Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
Student name: Ms Jayalakshmi Paonam
Guide: Dr Sudipta Chatterjee
Year of completion: 2015
Host Organisation: Kalpavriksh
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Ms Neema Pathak Broome
Abstract: Protected area is regarded as a cornerstone for conservation of biodiversity. Hence, management effectiveness requires both, an effective plan as well as assessment of its management effectiveness as the threats and pressure faced are on multiple scales which cannot be remedied by conventional approach. In this study the focus is on Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary and Keibul Lamjao National Park which are situated on Deepor Beel and Loktak Lake in the state of Assam and Manipur. These are Ramsar wetlands of international importance. The objectives of this study are firstly, to assess the Management Effectiveness of two freshwater protected areas in North east India and secondly, to conduct a survey on the community perception of the effectiveness of the protected area. During the study period of 4 months, a survey was conducted in the aforementioned PAs area using WWF/World Bank METT toolkit with the Park Managers. In addition, a stratified sampling and snowball sampling was used for taking sample population in two villages situated within 10 km distance of the PA for conducing the community perception survey. A total score of 51 and 65 was obtained for DBWS and KLNP respectively implying KLNP is more effectively managed. It also brought out legal status, objectives of the PA, research, security of the budget and education and awareness as the strength and staff crunch, infrastructure, law enforcement, infancy in tourism, staff training and equipments as the constraint faced in management of the PA. However, endemic factors responsible for the score were brought out in both the study area. Furthermore, awareness and knowledge, activation, percipience and management were the factors responsible for the positive perception of the PA by the community. It is envisaged the effectiveness of the PA could be improved by addressing the constraints and implementation of conservation plan for the threats faced by the PA.
Key words: Protected Area, Management Effectiveness, METT, Ramsar, Community
