Evaluating social ecological aspects of buffer zones at the borders of Etosha National Park, Namibia
The study aims to investigate the premise that the implementation of a buffer zone around a national park provides opportunities for local communities to become active in the management of such areas. The study focuses on the Etosha National Park in Namibia, where the implementation of a buffer zone has been proposed, since the park fence is a potential barrier for ecosystem and social ecological integrity. The research explores the extent to which the park fence influences the livelihoods of landowners and resource users in selected areas, by assessing local perspectives on the artificial boundary between them and their natural environment. Effectively implementing a buffer zone will require innovative solutions, dependent on consensus building and the formation of partnerships between the park and its neighbours. The study aims to assess the social ecological edge effects and resulting land use conflicts at the borders of the park, as this will aid in identifying suitable implementation strategies. Current and potential institutional arrangements and linkages are to be investigated to further adaptive co governance of land and natural resources.