This thesis discusses both theoretical and practical considerations inherent in
conducting community-based research within a case study of sea turtle conservation in
Baja California, Mexico. A brief background, including the general ecology, status and
distribution of sea turtles of the Baja peninsula is presented, with an overview of the
current and historic use and management of sea turtles. Several sets of theories
provide the context within which the case example is analyzed. A discussion of how
concepts of "science" and "knowledge" are shaped and how these perceptions impact
choices made in natural resource management and planning is presented. This
includes a brief discussion of conservation ethics and conservation rationale, as well as
a review of the debates surrounding indigenous knowledge and its application in
conservation. A review of community-based efforts in sea turtle conservation is also
presented.
The data and analysis offered in this thesis is the result of two field seasons
working as a member of an interdisciplinary sea turtle conservation team: conducting
biological studies, surveys, informal and semi-structured interviews and participant
observation. The major goal of this research project was to evaluate a people-oriented
approach to conservation. The objectives of the Baja sea turtle conservation project
included: the involvement of fishing communities in the development of conservation
projects, the involvement of local students and fishermen in the collection of data and
the public sharing of research results on a regular basis.
Results of this case study suggest that through dependence on the host
community for food, equipment, labor and guidance a special connection was
established, fostering trust and building the partnerships necessary for long-term
conservation success. For this reason, fishermen and other members of the local host
communities were more willing to cooperate with outsiders and share their intimate
knowledge of their environment - including information on the daily movements and
distribution of sea turtles. It is crucial that the fishermen feel empowered before they
choose to participate in the sea turtle conservation efforts. They must be viewed, and
view themselves, as an integral part of the conservation team contributing valuable
knowledge and ideas, not just acting as boat drivers and guides for outside researchers
within the host community. Community meetings served as an outlet to voice
concerns and share information. The active involvement and participation of local
communities is a highly effective tool in the sea turtle conservation efforts in the
region. / Graduation date: 2002
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/29859 |
| Date | 12 April 2002 |
| Creators | Bird, Kristin E. |
| Contributors | Young, John A. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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