| Tropical forests cover roughly 7% of the Earth's land surface, yet hold an estimated 50% of the world's species. Worldwide, these ecosystems and the species they harbor are disappearing. This is particularly true in Sub-Saharan Africa. Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda, was created in 1993 to protect the region's high levels of biological diversity. Yet, despite protection status, high human population densities around the Park threaten its long-term viability. This thesis examines factors affecting resource use and degradation worldwide, and develops a set of recommendations for the Kibale National Park region that are suited to its unique social and ecological setting. |
