Beyond Protected Areas: A Systematic Literature Review of Social–Ecological Dynamics in Namibia’s Kunene Region

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic literature review examines the social-ecological dynamics shaping conservation outcomes beyond formal protected areas in Namibia’s Kunene Region. It specifically explores how communal and multi-use landscapes surrounding national parks contribute to wildlife movements, ecological connectivity, biodiversity conservation, and pastoralist livelihoods.

Methodology: The study employed a systematic literature review approach, synthesizing empirical studies published over the past three decades. The review focused on key social-ecological factors influencing landscape functionality, including governance structures within communal conservancies, human-wildlife interactions, land-use changes, local institutional capacity, and the role of traditional knowledge in conservation management.

Findings: The findings indicate that effective conservation beyond protected areas depends on strong local institutions, cross-boundary coordination, and integration of traditional knowledge. However, varying conservancy capacity, livelihood pressures, human-wildlife interactions, and habitat fragmentation constrain long-term resilience. The review demonstrates that “in-between spaces” connecting national parks are vital for ecological connectivity and sustainable livelihoods.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The review advances conservation theory through a social-ecological systems perspective, emphasizing interactions among ecosystems, institutions, livelihoods, and land use. Practically, it promotes inclusive, adaptive, landscape-scale conservation and stronger communal conservancies. Policy recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing cross-boundary governance, integrating traditional knowledge, reducing livelihood pressures, and formally recognizing conservation corridors and multi-use landscapes within national conservation planning.