In this thesis I examine the limits of community involvement in accomplishing the conservation goals of biodiversity and ecosystem function in resource management by analyzing the multiple interest groups that compose community. Two case studies are presented to accomplish this goal. The first case study is the West Hawaii Fisheries Management Area, where a group of community stakeholders provide management recommendations that are then implemented by the state. The second case study is the Ka’u forest reserve, where community involvement is invited into the management decision-making process but is also limited in its ultimate political power by the state. Through an examination of these cases I find that the ability of community involvement to accomplish conservation goals is limited when powerful interest groups within the community oppose these goals.

La tesis plantea el estudio de distintos aspectos de la actividad cinegética, desde la generalidad del análisis de discursos, modalidades de caza, organización socioeconómica cinegética, percepción cognitiva medioambiental, etc. hasta la particularidad del análisis etnográfico localizado en el Parque Natural de la Sierra del Carrascal de la Font Roja. Hasta llegar aquí se plantea una estrategia narrativa densa en la que se integre bajo una perspectiva holística los distintos aspectos que configuran la caza en España, recorriendo un camino que va desde aspectos más generales a la particularidad de casos concretos.Finalmente, la investigación busca abrir un terreno poco trabajado hasta el momento por la antropología social española, mostrando la relevancia y atractivo que la caza actual en el territorio nacional tiene para el estudio etnográfico. / The thesis raises the study of various aspects of hunting, from the generality of the analysis of discourses, forms of hunting, hunting socioeconomic organization, environmental cognitive perception, and so on, until the particularity of ethnographic analysis located in the Natural Park of the "Sierra del Carrascal" of the "Font Roja". Until you get here there is a dense narrative strategy that is integrated in a holistic perspective on the various aspects that make up the game in Spain, travelling a road that goes from broader issues to the particularity of specific cases.Finally, the research seeks to open up a little worked field to date for Spanish social anthropology, showing the relevance and appeal that the current game has for the ethnographic study in the national territory.

A historical approach to preserving biodiversity throughout the world is the establishment of protected areas, with the underlying philosophy that the greatest public benefit is achieved by protecting natural resources, despite exclusion of affected human communities. Consequently, protected areas can become arenas of struggle between local communities and state conservation agendas. Some suggest socio-ecological sustainability is gained by shifting to decentralized governance structures and interjurisdictional arrangements. Biosphere reserves allow for policies, management and institutional arrangements that integrate social, economic, political and environmental issues and better aligns them with decision-making processes, place-based governance and dynamic socio-ecological systems. This research project explores the real-life experiences and unanticipated outcomes of public participation in conservation projects and compares them against the scholarly discourse to examine our understanding of public participation and place-based governance in two Atlantic Canada protected areas. Using case studies of South West Nova Biosphere Region, Nova Scotia and Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve region, Newfoundland and Labrador, this study assesses levels of public participation by various stakeholder groups within the two case studies, examines the credibility of the public participation criteria and explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing community-based conservation projects. The case studies were assessed against eight criteria for effective public participation, focusing on public engagement (strategic, inclusive, transparent), the decision-making process (enabling, respectful, constructive) and desired outcomes (instrumental and meaningful). Based on semi-structured interviews, participant observation and a literature review, results suggest that open and public deliberative activities seeking and incorporating public interests into decision-making processes throughout an initiative contributes to local legitimacy, credibility and fairness. The case studies provide insight into the value of the public participation criteria, the long-term regional commitment required, the complexity in shifting to place-based governance arrangements and the importance of linking individual and collective identity with public participation. The primary research findings advocate a comprehensive, flexible, pluralistic, bioregional and contextually responsive approach to public participation and place-based governance.

Abstract Managing protected areas requires consideration of broad scale social, ecological and in some cases, political factors. Additionally, the impacts of hyperabundant species is often a concern in protected areas as increases in breeding and foraging pressures can alter habitats dramatically. The influences of hyberabundant nesting colonies of waterbird species are well documented. Many studies indicate that waterbird species can influence canopy species as especially on the shoreline of islands, where the most abundant nesting pressures occur. On Lake Erie, Phalacrocorax auritus populations have increased dramatically from a low of 87 nests in 1979 to 16,050 nests in 2007. However, most studies have failed to address the influences that mature tree death may have on the ground layer ecosystem, including increased litter depth, herbaceous species composition and abundance and seed bank composition and viability. Consequently this study sought to quantify the nesting colonies’ influence on coarse woody litter and how nest densities and litter depth influence the herbaceous layer, the seed bank composition and viability across the extent of three Lake Erie islands. My study was designed to quantify the nesting colonies’ influence on these variables across the extent of each island, rather than just the perimeters where the majority of cormorant nests and visible damage exists. I collected my data in the summer of 2008 on East Sister Island, Middle Island and West Sister Island, using plotless-point quarter method, herbaceous layer surveys (incorporating data collected by Parks Canada and Ontario Parks in 2004 and 2007), cormorant nest counts, soil seed bank cores, and litter depth measurements. To test whether there are specific impacts of cormorant nests relegated to the island perimeters versus the rest of the island, an available subset of data on East Sister Island and Middle Island were used. These were expressed as vegetation ‘damage indices’ as classified by Parks Canada and Ontario Parks staff. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine if the different damage indices reveal any influence of cormorant nest density in smaller localized areas as opposed to testing the entirety of the islands. Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated that, island-wide, none of the herbaceous species abundance, diversity (total, native or exotic), seed bank composition, or seed viability has been affected significantly (P > 0.05) by either cormorant nest numbers or large-diameter litter-fall from cormorant nesting activities. However, damage indices (calculated using aerial photography) did indicate that, P .auritus nest density does influence litter depth, herbaceous species abundance and diversity in the island perimeter. Nest density has not significantly affected seed bank abundance or seed viability. My conclusion is that cormorants do not uniformly affect the islands as there is localized damage to the herbaceous layer, restricted primarily to the perimeters of the islands. However, there remains a risk to the interior herbaceous layer of the island if the effects of nesting pressures at the edges advance inward from this perimeter.

Human enlargement and improvements are following the same scheme as the world economies, and have through the same structure damaged and overexploited the ecological systems of the Earth, leading to a progressive degradation of its biodiversity. The need for protected areas is now inescapable when it comes to restoring species while sustainable development and prevention of damaging the environment have become prominent. It is now even more important that the awareness of an actual impact of our living standards on the ecological system has been established. International and more specifically European Laws have been established to prevent and ensure species of all kinds to live in a safe and preserved environment, but the question of their effectiveness has to be asked and nuanced. In that respect the issue of bird species is one of major importance as they are victims of human development. Within the European member states the problem is coming from the inability of some of them to implement and apply European laws because all do not agree on the terms of a protection provided for bird species.

This thesis explores the relationship between place attachment and pro-environmental behaviour expressed by visitors to Point Pelee National Park. Place attachment, the functional, cognitive and emotional bond with a place, may play a role in promoting environmentally responsible behaviours. This may be especially true of place-specific pro-environmental behaviours; however place attachment may also have a "carry-over" effect in that its impact on individuals' self identity may also foster pro-environmental behaviour in individuals' every day lives. <br /><br /> An exploration of these relationships was achieved, first by measuring the intensity of place attachment and pro-environment behavioural intentions expressed by visitors to Point Pelee National Park. This was followed by an examination of the relationship between these two constructs using correlation analysis and structural equation modeling. Data was collected with a mail-based self-completed questionnaire. A quota sample of visitors to Point Pelee National Park was utilized. A response rate of 32% (<em>n</em> = 355) was achieved. <br /><br /> The relationship between place attachment and pro-environmental intentions was explored further through the measurement of several related variables. These factors include place satisfaction (based on an appraisal of nature, social and activity-based environments), motivation for visiting the park (related to social interaction and nature observation, as well as activity-based and learning opportunities), distance between the park and visitors' residences, membership in environmental organizations, and visitation patterns including visitation to the park during childhood, length of affiliation with the park, length of visit to the park, and frequency of visitation to the park. Theoretical and empirical research suggests that these factors may affect place attachment, pro-environment behavioural intentions, and/or the relationship between these two constructs. <br /><br /> Study results found positive associations between place attachment and all of these variables with the exception of visitation motives associated with learning and engaging in a favourite activity. The strongest predictive relationships were observed with anti-substitution (the inability of an individual to substitute the park for another destination because of a lack of resources such as time or money or a lack of awareness of comparable sites) followed by frequency of visits to the park; park commitment (based on Friends group membership and donations of time and money to the Friends group); Friends of Point Pelee (FoPP) membership; and park relationship (which was based on visitation to the park as a child and length of affiliation); and, satisfaction with the park. <br /><br /> Results support the proposition that place attachment has a strong positive association with both park-specific pro-environment behavioural intentions (e. g. , Write letters in support of Point Pelee N. P. and similar protected areas) as well as general pro-environment behavioural intentions (e. g. , Pay extra for transportation if it is environmentally-friendly). Place attachment strongly predicted park-specific, and moderately predicted general pro-environmental intentions. A number of other variables had an indirect effect on park-specific intentions; notable effects were demonstrated by frequency of visits; park relationship; visitation to the park as a child; place satisfaction; social satisfaction; FoPP membership; and, park commitment; anti-substitution. These affects were mediated by place attachment. After place attachment the strongest predictors of park-specific intentions were anti-substitution; frequency of visits; park commitment; and, general environmental commitment (which was based on membership in an environmental organization and donations of time and money to that organization). <br /><br /> Place attachment was not the only direct predicator of general pro-environmental intentions; general environmental commitment and membership in an environmental organization also directly predicted general pro-environmental intentions. Notable indirect effects, mediated by place attachment were produced by frequency of visits; park relationship; FoPP membership; park commitment; and anti-substitution. The strongest predictors of general pro-environmental intentions were general environmental commitment, followed by place attachment, membership in an environmental organization, and frequency of park visitation. <br /><br /> These findings correspond with much of the literature published on place attachment formation and the development of pro-environmental behaviours. The most notable contribution of this study is its comparison of place attachment's impact on general versus place-specific behaviours, and the role that several related variables play in this relationship.

A historical approach to preserving biodiversity throughout the world is the establishment of protected areas, with the underlying philosophy that the greatest public benefit is achieved by protecting natural resources, despite exclusion of affected human communities. Consequently, protected areas can become arenas of struggle between local communities and state conservation agendas. Some suggest socio-ecological sustainability is gained by shifting to decentralized governance structures and interjurisdictional arrangements. Biosphere reserves allow for policies, management and institutional arrangements that integrate social, economic, political and environmental issues and better aligns them with decision-making processes, place-based governance and dynamic socio-ecological systems. This research project explores the real-life experiences and unanticipated outcomes of public participation in conservation projects and compares them against the scholarly discourse to examine our understanding of public participation and place-based governance in two Atlantic Canada protected areas. Using case studies of South West Nova Biosphere Region, Nova Scotia and Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve region, Newfoundland and Labrador, this study assesses levels of public participation by various stakeholder groups within the two case studies, examines the credibility of the public participation criteria and explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing community-based conservation projects. The case studies were assessed against eight criteria for effective public participation, focusing on public engagement (strategic, inclusive, transparent), the decision-making process (enabling, respectful, constructive) and desired outcomes (instrumental and meaningful). Based on semi-structured interviews, participant observation and a literature review, results suggest that open and public deliberative activities seeking and incorporating public interests into decision-making processes throughout an initiative contributes to local legitimacy, credibility and fairness. The case studies provide insight into the value of the public participation criteria, the long-term regional commitment required, the complexity in shifting to place-based governance arrangements and the importance of linking individual and collective identity with public participation. The primary research findings advocate a comprehensive, flexible, pluralistic, bioregional and contextually responsive approach to public participation and place-based governance.

Abstract Managing protected areas requires consideration of broad scale social, ecological and in some cases, political factors. Additionally, the impacts of hyperabundant species is often a concern in protected areas as increases in breeding and foraging pressures can alter habitats dramatically. The influences of hyberabundant nesting colonies of waterbird species are well documented. Many studies indicate that waterbird species can influence canopy species as especially on the shoreline of islands, where the most abundant nesting pressures occur. On Lake Erie, Phalacrocorax auritus populations have increased dramatically from a low of 87 nests in 1979 to 16,050 nests in 2007. However, most studies have failed to address the influences that mature tree death may have on the ground layer ecosystem, including increased litter depth, herbaceous species composition and abundance and seed bank composition and viability. Consequently this study sought to quantify the nesting colonies’ influence on coarse woody litter and how nest densities and litter depth influence the herbaceous layer, the seed bank composition and viability across the extent of three Lake Erie islands. My study was designed to quantify the nesting colonies’ influence on these variables across the extent of each island, rather than just the perimeters where the majority of cormorant nests and visible damage exists. I collected my data in the summer of 2008 on East Sister Island, Middle Island and West Sister Island, using plotless-point quarter method, herbaceous layer surveys (incorporating data collected by Parks Canada and Ontario Parks in 2004 and 2007), cormorant nest counts, soil seed bank cores, and litter depth measurements. To test whether there are specific impacts of cormorant nests relegated to the island perimeters versus the rest of the island, an available subset of data on East Sister Island and Middle Island were used. These were expressed as vegetation ‘damage indices’ as classified by Parks Canada and Ontario Parks staff. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine if the different damage indices reveal any influence of cormorant nest density in smaller localized areas as opposed to testing the entirety of the islands. Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated that, island-wide, none of the herbaceous species abundance, diversity (total, native or exotic), seed bank composition, or seed viability has been affected significantly (P > 0.05) by either cormorant nest numbers or large-diameter litter-fall from cormorant nesting activities. However, damage indices (calculated using aerial photography) did indicate that, P .auritus nest density does influence litter depth, herbaceous species abundance and diversity in the island perimeter. Nest density has not significantly affected seed bank abundance or seed viability. My conclusion is that cormorants do not uniformly affect the islands as there is localized damage to the herbaceous layer, restricted primarily to the perimeters of the islands. However, there remains a risk to the interior herbaceous layer of the island if the effects of nesting pressures at the edges advance inward from this perimeter.

Using ethnomethodology and influenced by ethnography, the purpose of this research has been to explore the meanings that elder residents in and around Hafford, SK and Val Marie, SK derive from their relationship with and confer upon their cultural landscapes. Hence, for a month and a half, I lived in Hafford and then Val Marie in order to speak with elder residents (age 60 or over) who have lived and worked in or around these areas for at least twenty years.<p>The meanings of elder residents hinge on their memories of growing up and making a living when younger. Their meanings also resonate with the ideas and perspectives that these individuals have formed regarding the changes in their cultural landscape. Changes include those to agriculture; service provision; and the formation of the Grasslands National Park for which Val Marie is the gateway community and Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve in which Hafford is located. <p>The broad themes of connections, separation, and continuity that I distilled in the narratives of elder residents have guided the identification of the meanings. To this end, the cultural landscape concept has provided an ideal framework. Including the different and diverse meanings of elder residents is integral to our conception of the cultural landscape as a whole, a characteristic that assists in guiding change and development in these communities. <p>In particular, elder residents contribute to an ethical landscape infused with meanings engendered by sentiments of connections, separation, and continuity and ones that hearken to their ethics. Such meanings can have a substantive impact on the decisions influencing these areas. Furthermore, as part of intangible cultural heritage, elder residents offer the meanings they have forged as well as their ethics, the ongoing result of having lived and worked in their cultural landscape. <p>This research has helped to bring relief to the meanings of elder residents in Hafford and Val Marie. Such meanings are necessary in the overall identity of the cultural landscape. The meanings that elder residents derive from their cultural landscape are a valuable asset for communities seeking to maintain their social and economic viability and sustainability.

This dissertation uses ¡§marine good governance¡¨ as the core to discuss the establishment of marine protected areas institutions in Taiwan. As a marine nation, it is a fatal key whether Taiwan can properly manage marine resources or not. Appropriately dealing with marine-related affairs can bring success to overall national development. The marine environmental diversity makes its affairs much more complicated than the land area. The global cognition of marine management has greatly changed. ¡§The concept of public management¡¨ has shifted from ¡§government¡¨ to ¡§governance¡¨. Good governance is the aim of public management nowadays. A marine nation should aim to have good marine governance. Establishing integrated marine institutions would be the key point. Although the quantity of Taiwan¡¦s marine protected areas has greatly increased, the effectiveness of management on marine protected areas is still called into question. This dissertation recommends that Taiwan should focus on integrating the institutions on marine protected areas. The future Marine Affair Organization and the corresponding marine governance legal structure would result in a ¡§Good Governance of a Marine Nation¡¨.