Community Perspectives on Natural Resource Values in Liuwa Plain National Park, Western Zambia

Understanding local community perspectives on natural resource values is critical for reconciling biodiversity conservation with livelihood strategies, particularly in shared landscapes where protected areas overlap with resident human populations. To address this gap, this study explored community perspectives on natural resource values in Liuwa Plain National Park, western Zambia, employing participatory non-market valuation methods through a mixed-methods approach comprising semi-structured household surveys (n = 309) and focus group discussions conducted in November 2024. Data were analysed using frequentist approaches, Chi-square, and Friedman tests. Results revealed that local communities highly valued and prioritised wildlife and fisheries, particularly Bubble fish (Tetraodontidae), for economic roles, and forest products, i.e., Mubula (Parinari curatellifolia), for cultural and ecological roles, followed by water and agricultural land. The findings showed that socio-demographic factors, such as length of residency and ethnic affiliation, particularly among the Lozi-speaking people, were the strongest predictors of conservation awareness and sustainable natural resource management attitudes, while significant environmental challenges and pressures, such as climate change, poaching, deforestation, decline in fish stocks, such as Tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus), and changes in water availability over time, were also identified. These findings underscore the urgency of integrating local perspectives into protected area management contributing to global sustainable development goals and adding to the discourses on inclusiveness and ecological integrity in balancing biodiversity conservation and livelihood strategies.