Making hard choices: balancing indigenous communities livelihood and Cross River gorilla conservation in the Lebialem–Mone Forest landscape, Cameroon

摘要: This study evaluates the choices indigenous communities living adjacent areas of conservation interest face when resources are under consideration. These have been their main source livelihood for decades, and it is often a hard decision to accept access restriction what has previously common pool resource. Using proposed Tofalla Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (THWS) in Southwest Cameroon, we evaluate ways critically endangered Cross River gorilla (Gorilla diehli) affected local vice versa. Data this were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions field observations. Descriptive inferential statistical methods used analyse explain quantitative data while content analysis was analysed qualitative data. The results revealed that strong ancestral cultural attachment forest makes difficult them welcome activities will restrict resources. Further also shows forest-dependent had an added value combine with off activities. contribute presents opportunity conservationists design innovative solutions balance objectives aspiration communities. could be reasonable entry point address existing negative perception on approaches THWS.