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Abstract:
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"This study is a contribution towards analyzing innovative strategies of ecoregion- based conservation. The globally important temperate rain forests existing in the fragmented patches of southern Chile are under threat of human pressure. Bringing together such conservation and livelihood issues, and bridging them has become a great challenge of present day. This study analyses the impacts of an endeavor of indigenous community-“Pichi Mallay Indigenous Park” from various social and economic dimensions. Furthermore, it studies local decision making process, and explores existing bottlenecks and problems that will affect the attainment of long- term conservation and social goals. The research has utilized questionnaire survey, key informant interview, direct observation and secondary data review as the principal methods of data collection. Data obtained are analyzed through content analysis technique and the use of graphs, figures and tables. The study reveals that the park has improved the social status of indigenous people living in Maicolpue Rio Sur with regard to social prestige, social infrastructures, access to information, exposure and communication. However, it realizes the economic impact on the park beneficiaries to be low, although the economic return to non-indigenous people living in that area is significant. The study identifies major reasons behind this to be the poor investment made by indigenous people upon the potential income generating activities and limited participation in decision making process. A management committee with clear responsibilities is lacking, the presidency of the community is passive, and poor communication between the park beneficiaries and the park administration is prominent, all that having several negative forward and backward linkages. With these findings, the study recommends a community level park management model, basic orientation to be sought at local level and further studies to bridge the information gaps."
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