Around the world, creating protected areas has often pushed rural communities off their land without fair compensation or respect for their rights. This report looks at how widespread these evictions are and the social problems they cause. Many of these removals have roots in colonial-era policies and continue today. After reviewing 250 reports and articles, the study found that these displacements happen across continents but are often underreported. When people lose their homes, land and traditions, it can harm their livelihoods and weaken support for conservation. This undermines long-term success. The report calls for more inclusive, community-based conservation models that involve local people, respect their rights and offer real benefits. Regulated hunting programs, when fairly managed, can be part of the solution—providing income, jobs and incentives for locals to protect wildlife while maintaining control over their land and resources.
