Local Manifestations of International Conservation Ideologies and Biodiversity Conflicts in Developing Economies.

The global concern for biodiversity loss and degradation has called for concerted action in the form of international and continent-wide policies for biodiversity conservation. Yet, various discourses for conservation can be distinguished at the international level, giving basis and shaping different approaches to practical conservation at national and sub-national levels. This study explores “local manifestations of international conservation ideologies” through lenses of conflicts. It visualizes the interactions between three levels: international or EU conservation regimes, national biodiversity governance strategies and local PAs governance in India, Madagascar and Estonia. We developed an institutional framework for conflict analysis that connects those levels and tries to dis-aggregate the problem and find solutions. Our analysis shows that the conflicts are manifested differently, but they do depend on the nature of participation, dependence on natural resources, local institutional and historical context as well as influences of international and national conservation agendas. Cases display a path-dependency of PA governance arrangements that in spite of recent shifts in global discourses towards more participatory approaches lag behind, due to administrative or institutional resilience. However, all cases have shown a necessity for acknowledging local people’s needs, value systems, culture, norms and more genuine participation in decision-making processes. Finally, the paper concludes that tailored solutions adapted to the local context and existing institutions, are necessary preconditions for the resolution of problems in the governance of protected areas.