Many conservationists and practitioners argue that environmental regulations are crucial to guarantee the sustainability of the Earth’s biological systems as well as the health and wellbeing of people, and that protected areas such as national parks constitute an essential tool in such regulatory toolbox (Kramer et al. 1997; Brandon et al. 1998; Terborgh 1999). Although the preservation of nature, which is the main objective of national parks, has become a worldwide concern, taking into account the local, social, and cultural contexts of neighbouring communities in the planning and management of national parks is increasingly considered a key component for the ultimate success of conservation objectives in national parks (Lusigi 1994; Wells
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The history of parks establishment both in Canada and other countries reveals these socio-political elements, including changes in access to resources that result from conservation enterprises. In the past, the creation of national parks in Canada sometimes involved the involuntary displacement of human communities, such as in Forillon National Park in Quebec (Kafarowski, 2003). In response to public objection to this practice, newer national parks have avoided expropriation, either by purchasing lands from willing sellers or by creating enclaves within parks (e.g. Gros Morne National Park). These past practices point to the importance of meaningful consultation with affected communities and stakeholders about any such conservation-related proposals.
This report describes the history and social-ecological context for a proposed national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region of British Columbia.
By examining different stakeholder perspectives as well as the governance context within which this park proposal is situated, this case seeks to make visible some of the key trade-offs between conservation and development in this region, and to prompt reflection about navigating conservation and development dilemmas more
The history of parks establishment both in Canada and other countries reveals these socio-political elements, including changes in access to resources that result from conservation enterprises. In the past, the creation of national parks in Canada sometimes involved the involuntary displacement of human communities, such as in Forillon National Park in Quebec (Kafarowski, 2003). In response to public objection to this practice, newer national parks have avoided expropriation, either by purchasing lands from willing sellers or by creating enclaves within parks (e.g. Gros Morne National Park). These past practices point to the importance of meaningful consultation with affected communities and stakeholders about any such conservation-related proposals.
This report describes the history and social-ecological context for a proposed national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region of British Columbia.
By examining different stakeholder perspectives as well as the governance context within which this park proposal is situated, this case seeks to make visible some of the key trade-offs between conservation and development in this region, and to prompt reflection about navigating conservation and development dilemmas more