MULTIPLE USE OR NATIONAL PARK? A COMPARISON OF MANAGEMENT APPROACHES FOR A VICUNA RESERVE IN PERU (WILDLAND, LAMA VICUGNA

In this study two conservation management approaches are compared to determine the effect they might have on the economic, socio-cultural, and ecological elements of the rural system involving protected areas. A multiple use management project in the Peruvian Highlands, dedicated to the protection and sustainable utilization of the vicugna, was chosen as the site for this study. For comparison, a national park approach was applied to the same area in hypothetical terms, yet based on similar management applications in the Andean region.;The impacts upon the rural environment of this management project were analyzed and compared for the multiple use and national park approaches.;These management approaches are not equal in their effect upon the economic and socio-cultural elements of the rural environment where they are implemented, even when they are similarly effective in protecting the ecological features of the area managed. Within the specific conditions studied, the multiple use approach yielded greater socio-economic benefits than the national park approach while effectively protecting the vicugna and its habitat.;It is recommended that the design and implementation of management approaches specifically consider the socio-cultural and economic elements of the rural systems surrounding protected areas. Only through such an approach can increasing human needs be met, management conflicts avoided, and valuable natural resources protected.