Balancing Human Needs and Nature Conservation: A study on the gap between design and management of the Bigi Pan Multiple-Use Management Area in Suriname Research Paper

Ecosystem management has made a shift from protected area management to multiple use management area, where humans are viewed as an integral part of the ecosystem. In practice, however, finding the balance between maximizing short-term gains on the one hand and long-term sustainability on the other seems harder. In this thesis the practice of managing a particular multiple-use management area, the Bigi Pan MUMA in Suriname is explored. Primary data was collected trough 25 semi-structured face-to-face interviews. This data was analysed by means of the Thematic analysis method and a composite picture of management practice and the existing problems in the Bigi Pan area emerged. The four main themes that emerged are: (1) the MUMA plan, which is not implemented for the greater part; (2) management of the area, where collaboration problems between management authorities were leading; (3) use of the area, where dissatisfaction among users was identified; and (4) the biophysical condition of the area, where detrimental changes were identified. By analysing the interconnectedness between the design of the MUMA plan, its implementation and operation, a framework for improving management of the Bigi Pan MUMA is developed. This let two potential intervention to stand out: (a) improving the understanding of the ecosystem and (b) improving the social support.

Area of interest: Suriname

Year: 2010