Participatory approach to conservation and management of protected areas in Nigeria: Case study of Osse River Park Project

摘要: Stakeholder involvement and participation are essential in achieving sustainable integration sound environmental management of protected areas Nigeria. Involvement local communities conservation Osse River Park were assessed through administration structured questionnaires while relevant State Government Ministries Environmental Nature Resources Management Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) interviewed to complement the study. Although observed be involved at inception Park, their park is presently low (25%). Accordingly, 70% respondent claimed that government NGOs invested more education, protection surveillance than meeting socio-economic needs people. Small proportion respondents identified distribution plant seedlings (20%) intensification education (10%) as an urgent need. This result suggests need increase financing from present 5 25% NGO's input fund raising government's commitment finance. The study improving stakeholders' relations, capacity building, integrating community-based natural resource important. It was recommended ministries engaged biodiversity which direct efforts toward development practices facilitate stakeholders’ process. Key words: Capacity stakeholder’s participation, development.