Balancing habitat conservation and community livelihoods: an evaluation of community-based wetlands management in the Lake Piso multiple-use nature reserve

Wetlands play a crucial role in simultaneously supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services vital for many local communities. The Lake Piso Multiple Use Nature Reserve in Liberia is a biodiversity hotspot renowned also for its socioeconomic values. However, the lack of a comprehensive management plan, the degradation of wetland resources, and communities' dependence on wetlands for their livelihoods, underscore the need for active community participation in wetland management and conservation. The study employed a combination of 239 survey questionnaires, four focus group discussions, and spatial analyses to assess the influence of community involvement and perception on wetland use and the primary land use changes that have occurred between 1990 and 2021. Significant land use changes occurred over three decades, primarily driven by increased human encroachment, and adversely affected wetlands and, secondarily water bodies. Changes in wetland extent were more positive when both the proportion of population actively engaged in wetland conservation and that dependent on wetlands were high; conversely, when involvement in wetland conservation was low, the amount of people depending on wetlands had a slightly negative effects on the change of wetland cover. Community involvement in wetland management and conservation therefore promotes the preservation of wetlands under heavy exploitation by locals, but there is room for improvement. Local communities showed willingness to collaborate with local and central government authorities, presenting an opportunity for enhanced management and conservation. We also identified key barriers hindering community involvement in wetland conservation, and ways to balance between conservation and community livelihood. Effective strategies are needed to encourage community participation, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and address the adverse impacts of urbanisation and economic activities on wetland ecosystems. Fostering community engagement and addressing the identified challenges can contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of wetlands, ensuring their long-term ecological integrity and the well-being of local communities.