Effectiveness of the annual operation plans (AOP) in conservation management, a case of Bwindi impenetrable national park, south western Uganda

Abstract

The study investigated the effectiveness of Annual Operation Plans (AOPs) in conservation management in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Southwestern Uganda. The study objectives were to examine the contribution of conservation strategies to conservation management in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; assess the effect of resource allocation on conservation management in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; and investigate the influence of biodiversity monitoring on conservation management in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design along with quantitative and qualitative approaches. From a study population of 251, a sample size of 165 respondents was used. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlations and regression analysis). The findings reveal that conservation strategies have a strong positive correlation with conservation management (r = 0.75, p = 0.000), explaining 56% of the variation in conservation outcomes (R² = 0.56). Resource allocation also significantly influences conservation management (r = 0.65, p = 0.000), accounting for 42% of the variance (R² = 0.42). Additionally, biodiversity monitoring shows a strong positive relationship with conservation management (r = 0.55, p = 0.000), explaining 30% of the variation (R² = 0.30). These findings highlight the critical importance of implementing effective conservation strategies, allocating sufficient resources, and investing in biodiversity monitoring to achieve successful conservation management and support sustainable development initiatives in protected areas like Bwindi. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that policymakers, conservation authorities, and stakeholders prioritize investments in comprehensive conservation strategies, sufficient resource allocation, and robust biodiversity monitoring programs in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This includes increasing budget allocations, enhancing stakeholder engagement and community participation, establishing transparent resource allocation frameworks, and promoting capacity-building initiatives. Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, as well as adaptive management frameworks, should be established to ensure effective conservation management and sustainable development initiatives. By implementing these recommendations, conservation efforts can be strengthened, and the long-term ecological integrity and community well-being can be supported.