This Study was in accordance with the Threats Classification Scheme (Version 3.2) developed by the IUCN – CMP to identify the potential pressures and threats to the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR), and with the Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) developed by WWF to evaluate the management effectiveness of the MPNR. The pressure and threat identifications were conducted by on-line and on-site questionnaire surveys in Phase 1 of this Study whilst the management effectiveness evaluation was conducted by on-line questionnaire survey and interview script sent to representatives from AFCD and WWF-HK in Phase 2 of this Study. This Study identified the most significant impact on the MPNR was pollution followed by climate change and severe weather, residential and commercial development, and invasive exotic and problematic species, genes and diseases. Other than these impacts, it also identified that sedimentation was another significant impact on the MPNR. In view of the management effectiveness, the results shown that the management effectiveness of the MPNR was considered as adequate. Biodiversity conservation and habitat management as well as education and scientific research efforts were the strengths of the MPNR. However, insufficient long-term financial outlook was ranked as the least indicator in this Study, and lack of financial resources was also reported as one of the major factors influencing the management goals for the MPNR in reality. Comparison with other protected areas outside Hong Kong in terms of management effectiveness, and non-parametric correlation test, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Analysis, were conducted in this Study, and the results shown that there were significant positive correlations between inputs and outputs as well as between processes and outputs contributing the overall management effectiveness. It was suggested that stakeholders and communities should be engaged in future planning for the MPNR for better management making decision processes, and a proposed one-day pass measure was recommended in this Study as a considerable option for the future financial resource of the MPNR. Meanwhile, efforts should also be made proactively on seeking for other sources to make the MPNR being operated smoothly and sustainably. / published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

Thesis (M.L. Arch. - Renewable Natural Resources)--University of Arizona. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-111). Also available via Humboldt Digital Scholar.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Montana, 2007. / Title from title screen. Description based on contents viewed Aug. 12, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 367-472).

Thesis (M.H.C.S. (Heritage and Museum Studies)) -- University of Pretoria, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 202-205_

Thesis (M.S.)--Ball State University, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on June 08, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Montana, 2007. / Title from title screen. Description based on contents viewed Aug. 9, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-136).

On the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, the challenges and forces conditioning the community are natural and social. Buffeted by the Atlantic sea and perched at the periphery of the most westerly inhabited islands in Scotland, linguistically different to mainland Scotland, religiously distinct from much of the rest of the Hebrides and bearing the psychological legacy of nineteenth century Highland Clearances, this case-study illustrates how a social-ecological system responds to the dominant narrative of conservation in the marine policy environment. This thesis explores the cultural depths of a conflict between the local community and the Scottish Government around the creation of two marine Special Areas of Conservation (mSAC) off the coast of the island. Barra's rich maritime heritage suggested the presence of embedded values that appeared to be colliding with values driving the mSAC designation process. Visual participatory methods were used to understand what 'conservation' means for the islanders and to find a way of connecting the worldviews of decision-makers with the marine environment lived and experienced by the local community. The story of Barra exposes the perils of isolating the human dimension of conservation and planning that ensures sustainable livelihoods from the natural ecosystem conservation dimension. It considers how challenging the dominant narrative of conservation through the articulation of competing realities can create space for different narratives to emerge. It provides insights into the role played by competing value systems in natural resource management and conservation conflicts.

This study evaluates the potential for community-based ecotourism as conservation and development strategy in Kome village, which is an unprotected area. The study adopts the ecotourism concept to illustrate how communitybased ecotourism can be a tool for conservation and development in poor rural communities. Adopting the intensive case study design, the study investigates the major challenges for community-based ecotourism in Kome village. Findings reveal that Kome community derives low socio-economic benefits including limited earnings, low employment, poor benefits sharing and lack of entrepreneurships. Kome has a potential to offer better community-based ecotourism products due to diverse tourist attractions ranging from historical, cultural activities to natural scenery. The study suggests and recommends formation of a partnership between the Kome community, private, public sector and the NGOs as a strategy for development. The study concludes that ecotourism can be an appropriate option for conservation and development for Kome village.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 124-139).