Exploring the relationship between local participation and perceived Co-management performance: Evidence from China's Giant Panda National Park

Understanding local perceptions is essential to ensure the good functioning of co-management in protected areas (PAs). However, more research is required quantitatively to assess the extent locals are empowered. This paper seeks to investigate the effects of varied participation types and levels on perceived performance in a centralized co-management regime in Giant Panda National Park, China. Using 353 survey questionnaires, we identified six co-management subtypes that were classified into four empowerment levels: instruction, consultation, agreement, and cooperation. Notably, our analysis suggests that involvement at the cooperation level was not clearly linked with more favorable local perceptions of conservation. In contrast, local residents engaged in the instruction level of co-management (support, training, and employment subtypes) were more inclined to develop positive perceptions across the ecological, social, and livelihood dimensions. This study suggests the conclusion that merely empowering locals might not facilitate favorable perceptions of conservation. Instruction co-management intended to enhance social well-being if it is tailored to the needs of local residents.