Sustainable Natural Resource Management Must Recognise Community Diversity
Taylor & Francis Group
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Abstract: This study explores how community diversity impacts sustainable natural resource management, focusing on mangrove forests in Lamu County, Kenya. Through a survey of 592 households across five distinct locations, the researchers found significant variability in resource use, perceptions of environmental change, and awareness of mangrove ecosystem services. While 89% of respondents used mangrove products, only 56% could identify ecosystem services, with education level being a key determinant. Interestingly, 50% perceived an increase in mangrove cover?contradicting satellite data showing significant loss over the last decade. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, education, location, and occupation shaped these perceptions. The study revealed that uniform policies may overlook local complexities, underscoring the need for location-specific awareness campaigns and capacity-building efforts. By recognizing community diversity, the findings argue for inclusive engagement strategies to enhance sustainability and resilience. These insights contribute to global conservation discourse, highlighting the importance of contextualized approaches in developing country settings.