Restoration of degraded forest ecosystem through non-forestry livelihood supports: experience from the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND:

Protected areas cover a small percentage of the land despite their importance, with many rural poor depending on them for subsistence. Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary is highlighted as a significant protected area facing severe biodiversity loss due to heavy forest dependency by local communities. The study evaluates a livelihood support program implemented to reduce forest dependency and enhance biodiversity by providing non-forestry income sources to the forest-dependent communities in Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary.

GOALS AND METHODS:

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a livelihood support program in reducing forest dependency and enhancing biodiversity in the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary in Bangladesh by providing non-forestry income sources to forest-dependent communities. The study uses an Ordinary Least Squares regression framework to estimate income changes, collected biodiversity data from permanent plots, and conducted socioeconomic surveys to evaluate the impact of the livelihood support program on forest dependency and biodiversity.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS:

The study concludes that non-forestry livelihood support program significantly increases household incomes from non-forestry sources and decreases reliance on forest resources, which in turn reduces anthropogenic pressure and improves biodiversity in the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary. The study underscores the importance of integrating livelihood support with conservation efforts to sustain biodiversity and enhance ecosystem health.