| Though local capacity-building became an integral part of worldwide practiced community-based approach to conservation, its conceptual framework is still poorly developed. This hampers the effectiveness of local capacity-building interventions and community-based conservation. The research identifies factors influencing local capacity for community conservation action (LCCCA), their importance, and interactions allowing for developing a definition, conceptual model, and measurable indicators for LCCCA.;To identify and measure factors affecting local capacity for conservation community action four community concessions were studied within Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala. The research used a comparative case study design, grounded theory methodology, survey method, and index, anchored vignette and structured and semi-structured interview instruments to collect data from 214 local community members, and 26 outside key informants.;Sustainable community-based conservation requires adequate levels of local capacity to successfully participate in the process. Effective local capacity-building interventions necessitate an understanding of this social complex phenomenon influenced by a number of different factors. A better understanding of local community capacity will allow conducting quality needs assessments, better focus intervention planning, and results measurements, thus improving effectiveness of community-based conservation. |
