Profiling unauthorized natural resource users for better targeting of conservation interventions
Unauthorised use of natural resources is a key threat to many protected areas. Approaches to reducing this threat include law enforcement and integrated conservation and development (ICD) projects. But for such ICDs to be targeted effectively, it is important to understand who is illegally using which natural resources and why. This article presents research that explored these questions at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. It concludes with recommendations that to reduce unauthorised activity at Bwindi, ICD must benefit the poorest people living in remote areas and near the park boundary by providing affordable alternative sources of forest products and addressing crop raiding. To prevent resentment from driving further unauthorised activity, ICDs should be managed transparently and equitably.