Upcoming Events
MS Thesis Defense - Environmental Science and Policy
Jul 15, 2024, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Virtual (contact espgrad@gmu.edu for Zoom meeting info)
MS Thesis
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University
Candidate: Natalia Arcos Cano
Defense Date and Time: July 15, 2024 at 12:00pm
Defense Location: Virtual
Title: Community Perspectives on the Function and Management of the Maijuna-Kichwa Regional Conservation Area
Thesis Director: Dr. Michael Gilmore
Committee: Dr. Brian Griffiths, Dr. Diego Valderrama
ABSTRACT
This master’s thesis examined the Adaptive Co-management (ACM) framework within the Maijuna-Kichwa Regional Conservation Area (MKRCA) in Peruvian Amazon, which protects the Maijuna and Kichwa communities' ancestral lands. Despite improvements in resource abundance and community safety, challenges remain in governmental support, communication, and equitable participation. Using Community-Based Participatory Research, I conducted interviews with 36 community members, revealing both successes and areas needing improvement. Findings emphasize the need for continuous evaluation and enhanced stakeholder engagement. Recommendations focus on strengthening ACM’s effectiveness and aligning conservation efforts with local needs and wisdom to achieve the MKRCA’s biocultural conservation objectives.
