Protected area zoning for conservation and use : a case study of Kulen Brahmdeb wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia | |
| Author | Thao, Chanthearyradh |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-24-01 |
| Subject(s) | Protected areas--Cambodia--Management Natural resources management areas--Cambodia |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study addresses the critical need for zoning in Kulen Brahmdeb Wildlife Sanctuary (KBWS), Cambodia’s second-largest protected area. This research aims to create a zoning map, with three specific objectives: delineating the spatial distribution of key species, identifying biodiversity richness hotspots, and delineating management zones for conservation and sustainable use. However, zoning process done previously for six protected areas, relied on manual technical conditions, undermining decision-making due to limited scientific evidence. This study used QGIS to map the distribution of key species and projected biodiversity hotspots by integrating species distribution, habitat sites, and land cover types, particularly focusing on forests as indicators. Employing a multi-criteria decision analysis approach, it generated a zoning map by considering criteria related to biodiversity, conservation, community, and sustainable use. Eight globally important wildlife species inhabit KBWS, predominantly clustering within the sanctuary. High biodiversity richness was observed in Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces, categorizing them as core and conservation zones.Conversely, the Oddar Meanchey province had lower biodiversity richness, marking it for community and sustainable use zones. Four zones were delineated: Community (31%), Conservation (30%), Sustainable Use (24%), and Core (15%). The study emphasizes the need for monitoring and research programs to assess wildlife populations and biodiversity. Conservation efforts should focus on habitat preservation through reforestation, sustainable land-use planning, and promoting conservation friendly practices. Enhanced protection measures, including increased patrols and stricter regulations, are crucial, especially in core and conservation zones.Future research should obtain better datasets to improve biodiversity hotspot analysis accuracy. To be more inclusive and effective, future improvements should incorporate additional criteria like land use, REDD+ project areas, ecotourism sites, degraded forests, and critical plant species hotspots. This study highlights the significance of employing scientific methodologies in creating management zone maps for protected areas, contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Pramanik, Malay;Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD), Germany; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |