Abstract
Local community representation and perceptions toward decision-making of protected area collaborative management in Afghanistan were assessed with a case study of Band-e-Amir National Park (BANP). Community representatives (CRs) were interviewed to assess their capacity of knowledge, participation in decision-making, information exchange with communities, and perception toward the park management framework. Local residents, government agencies, a park warden, and an NGO representative were also interviewed to identify their perception and views toward the park management framework. We found that the CRs had insufficient knowledge for decision-making and weak information exchange with communities. We also found, however, that collaborative decision-making increased their learning opportunities. Although the park warden and NGO show positive views about the
park management framework due to conservation achievements, the lack of alternative livelihood sources and weak responses oｆ ｔｈｅ national government have resulted in the CRs and local residents having negative views. We conclude that accountable local community representation in decision-making and responsiveness of final decision-making bodies are essential to maintain local support for collaborative management of protected areas.
