Lived Experiences of Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Remote Areas

Abstract

Natural resource management in remote communities is a crucial area of study within environmental science, as it reflects the intersection of cultural practices, social structures, and sustainability efforts. While existing research has explored technical aspects of resource management, little attention has been paid to the subjective experiences of the community members involved in these practices. The knowledge gap lies in understanding how these individuals perceive and experience resource management, and how external pressures, such as climate change and policy interventions, influence their practices. This study addresses that gap by applying a phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of individuals in remote communities, offering a perspective that has been largely overlooked in prior research. Using in-depth interviews with community members, we identified key themes related to cultural practices, community solidarity, and challenges arising from environmental changes. The results suggest that resource management is deeply embedded in the community's cultural identity, with traditional practices providing resilience in the face of external pressures. However, the ongoing influence of climate change and external policies presents significant challenges to the sustainability of these practices. The novelty of this study lies in its emphasis on the subjective and cultural dimensions of resource management, revealing how traditional knowledge and lived experiences shape adaptive strategies. These insights contribute to environmental policy by underscoring the importance of integrating local knowledge systems into sustainability frameworks, ensuring that interventions are both culturally sensitive and resilient to external pressures. The study also opens avenues for future research to explore the integration of traditional knowledge with modern sustainability strategies.