Property rights and participatory biodiversity conservation: lessons from Malekula Island, Vanuatu

The implementation of the biologically-focused and/or legally-focused approaches to conservation has contributed to the cultural and socioeconomic marginalization of many people living within or close to protected areas (PAs). As a result, many PAs suffer from encroachment by the people living near them. The paper shows how the establishment of conservation initiatives may benefit from: (i) a participatory identification, assessment and establishment process that accounts for existing property rights, local peopleʹs needs and wants; and (ii) legislation that recognizes and strengthens customary property rights. The paper considers the lessons derived from experience on the island of Malekula, Vanuatu.