Implications of integrated nature conservation for human reproductive health: a case study from Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

This article explores the impact of national parks, established as integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs), on human reproductive health, using Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar as a case study. A comparative approach, studying the villages within and beyond the park area, was used. Statistical information, semi‐structured key person and focus group interviews, observation, as well as previous literature, were used. The article illustrates how health programmes of the park project attempted to meet local needs, but how cultural and economic issues affected the success of the project. The study concludes that the impact of the ICDP on human reproductive health was modest. However, the human aspects in conservation have to be emphasised in the future.

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