“…protected areas), are trapped between their dependence on resources from these areas to meet their local development aspirations, and international pressure to protect resources of high international value ( Van-vliet, 2010). The establishment and management of protected areas has become the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation strategies the world over (Adams & Mulligan, 2003;Brechin et al, 2003;Ervin, 2013;Lele et al, 2010;Singh et al, 2013). Although it is increasingly recognised that the conservation of biodiversity cannot be successful without providing alternative livelihood solutions to local communities dependent on forest resources (West et al, 2006), global experiences illustrate that the successful integration of conservation and development continue to be elusive, especially in Africa (Lele et al, 2010;Schmidt-Soltau, 2000;Van-vliet, 2010).…”