Comparative Participation in Biodiversity Management Activities by the Village Conservation Group Members of St. Martin`s Island

The study was undertaken to determine the extent of comparative participation in different biodiversity components. It was conducted in St. Martin`s Island under Teknaf Upazila of Cox`s Bazar district. Comparative participation in coastal biodiversity components by the people was the major focus of the study. A 4-point rating scale was used to measure the extent of comparative participation by the people. Data were collected by using structured interview schedule during April 2008 from randomly selected 92 members from a total of 365 members from six Village Conservation Groups (VCG). Regarding component-wise the highest proportion (59.78%) of the respondents had medium participation while 32.61 percent had low and 7.61 percent had high participation in wildlife conservation. In fisheries resources the highest proportion (51.09%) of the respondents had medium participation while 40.20 percent had high and 8.70 percent had low participation. In agro-horticultural activities the highest proportion (52.17%) of the respondents had medium participation while 23.91 percent had high and low participation. In community development affairs the highest proportion (70.65%) of the respondents had medium participation while 18.41 percent had low and 10.87 percent had high participation. In awaring ecotourism the highest proportion (55.43%) of the respondents had medium participation while 39.13 percent had low and 5.43 percent had high participation. In protection the risk of island the highest proportion (68.49%) of the respondents had medium participation while 21.74 percent had low and 9.78 percent had high participation. In social awareness activities the highest proportion (51.09%) of the respondents had medium participation while 40.22 percent had low and 8.70 percent had high participation. In waste management activities the highest proportion (58.70%) of the respondents had medium participation while 29.35 percent had high and 11.96 percent had low participation. Category-wise the highest proportion (80.43%) of the respondent had medium participation in biodiversity management activities while only 11.96 percent had high and 7.61 percent had low participation. The village conservation group member`s level of education, farm size, social participation, extension media contact, organizational participation, experience in biodiversity management activities and knowledge on biodiversity management activities showed significant positive relationship, with their extent of participation in biodiversity management activities. However, their age, family size and annual family income did not show any significant relationships with the same.