IntroductionThe continuous flow of ecosystem services (ESs) within coastal and marine ecosystems supports communities' well-being and security by harnessing required resources such as seafood that address food security. The overexploitation of these coastal resources places communities at risk of losing ES. This study assesses how preference for the ES flow from these ecosystem types (i.e., mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and the deep sea) vary by gender in Diani Chale and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Areas in Kwale County, Kenya. Specifically, the objective of this article was to assess the pattern and variation in mean scores of ES flow across coastal and marine ecosystem types by gender.MethodsA total of 148 respondents (87 men and 61 women) aged 20-72 years participated in describing ES through focus group discussions and the Delphi technique. Respondents were engaged in a participatory activity that involved filling of perceived ES flow scores using a 6-point Likert-type scale in the lookup tables (also known as matrix). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for mean scores of ES flow across coastal and marine ecosystem types as perceived by men and women. One-way MANOVA was used to test for the significant differences between mean scores of men and women in ES flow across ecosystem types.ResultsThe aggregate scores for non-use values, regulating services, and cultural services, were scored higher than provisioning services by ecosystem service flow. The overall ES flow scores were higher in the mangrove forests 52/90 and least in the coastal lagoon 39/90. There was a significant variation (p < 0.05) of ES flow by gender: the mean score of men was significantly higher than women for most ES flow in cultural, regulating, and provisioning services across some coastal and marine ecosystem types. However, there was no significant variation (p > 0.05) in the flow of non-use values by gender across ET.ConclusionThe findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding gender views in ES access and use at local levels to support food security. Including gender perspectives in coastal and marine ecosystem governance is critical, especially toward achieving sustainable development goals.
Deep reefs below 30 m provide essential ecosystem services for ocean health and human well‐being such as food security and climate change resilience. Yet, deep reefs remain poorly researched and largely unprotected, including in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Here, we assessed current conservation approaches in the WIO focusing on deep reefs, using a combination of online surveys and semi‐structured interviews. Results indicated that deep‐reef data are sparse and commonly stemming from non‐peer‐reviewed or non‐publicly available sources, and are often not used to inform conservation of WIO marine protected areas. Based on those findings, we co‐developed a framework with WIO stakeholders comprising recommendations linked to specific actions to be undertaken by regional actors to improve the capacity of the region to collect and share deep‐reef information. We hope this framework will enhance deep‐reef stewardship and management throughout the WIO and thus aid sustainable blue economic growth in the region.
Traditional wildlife conservation methods and attitude towards wildlife conservation are key for the success of wildlife conservation intervention. This study examined awareness of traditional wildlife conservation measures and socio‐demographic factors associated with attitudes towards wildlife conservation among the Maasai communities living in Enkusero Sampu Conservancy (ESC) in Kajiado County, Kenya. Data were based on a cross‐sectional household survey conducted from 02 February to 23 March 2018, among 278 heads of households. Analysis entails cross‐tabulation with chi‐square test and estimation of a multivariate logistic regression model. Awareness of traditional wildlife conservation methods and attitude towards wildlife conservation were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with gender and household size. Heads of household who were aware of traditional wildlife conservation methods were aged 50 or more years. While people from smaller household size (<6 persons) were more likely to have a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation. Those who experienced livestock predation or crop destruction by wild animals were less likely to have a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation. The findings underscore the need for conservation managers to factor in local people's traditional knowledge and attitudes to foster sustainable wildlife conservation in areas surrounding and within wildlife conservation areas.
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