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Arévalo Vásquez, Alex R., 2010. Enhancing natural resources management and livelihoods in Zapatera Archipelago National Park, Nicaragua : an action research study with residents of two communities in Zapatera Island. Second cycle, A2E. Uppsala: SLU, Dept. of Urban and Rural Development

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Abstract

Zapatera Island is the second largest island of Lake Cocibolca or Nicaragua and the heart of Zapatera Archipelago National Park in Nicaragua. The park was created in 1983 by the Sandinista Revolutionary Government after the seizure of land from big land owners. Today, land conflicts in the island still persist and illegal logging by mafias are rampant. Illegal hunting, fishing and other nature resource based extractive activities are the base of the livelihoods of more than 1000 inhabitants of the island. Moreover, the plundering of archaeological remains continues, despite the efforts of Nicaraguan authorities to find solutions to the problematic situation in the island.

Using elements of Soft Systems Methodology, Action Research, and Participatory Rural Appraisal, the present study seeks an answer for the question: How could natural resource management and livelihoods of people in Zapatera Island be enhanced?

The study found that there are considerable differences between communities, households and individuals in terms of access to different forms of capital, and that the control of the Environmental Ministry has created even more livelihood insecurity and environmental damage. At the same time, Action Research and other iterative processes created the conditions that brought some changes to the current state of affairs in the island, by promoting knowledge creation and exchange, and community empowerment. The study also helped different stakeholders to identify issues of concern regarding natural resources management. Among these, land tenure was considered the most urgent issue to be addressed. Finally, the study suggest that natural resources management in Zapatera Island can be improved by addressing the issue of poverty among local communities; and by increasing the cooperation in research between local communities, environmental authorities, practitioners, researchers and donors.

Main title:Enhancing natural resources management and livelihoods in Zapatera Archipelago National Park, Nicaragua
Subtitle:an action research study with residents of two communities in Zapatera Island
Authors:Arévalo Vásquez, Alex R.
Supervisor:Sriskandarajah, Nadarajah and Pérez Castellón , Emilio Enrique
Examiner:Gunnarsdotter, Yvonne
Series:Masters Thesis / Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Urban and Rural Development
Volume/Sequential designation:53
Year of Publication:2010
Level and depth descriptor:Second cycle, A2E
Student's programme affiliation:NM009 Rural Development and Natural Resource Management - Master's Programme 120 HEC
Supervising department:(NL, NJ) > Dept. of Urban and Rural Development
(LTJ, LTV) > Dept. of Urban and Rural Development
Keywords:Nicaragua, Natural Resources Management, Livelihoods, participation, stakeholders, Action Research, Soft Systems Methodology
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-8-482
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-8-482
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Nature conservation and land resources
Rural population
Research methods
Development economics and policies
Agricultural economics and policies
Fisheries production
Handling, transport, storage and protection of agricultural products
Rural sociology and social security
Surveying methods
Language:English
Deposited On:27 Apr 2010 06:41
Metadata Last Modified:20 Apr 2012 14:12

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