INTEGRATING INDIGENOUS RESOURCE-MANAGEMENT WITH WILDLIFE CONSERVATION- A CASE-STUDY OF BATANG AI NATIONAL-PARK, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

This paper examines the indigenous land and forest management systems of the community of seven Iban longhouses whose territories comprise t he area of Batang Ai National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia. It also discu sses the integrated conservation and development program (ICDP) at the park. This project is attempting to work within the existing system o f customary law to build on traditional legislative infrastructure and management practices, in order to enlist the cooperation of local peo ple and their leaders in implementing a new conservation strategy. In addition to reinforcing local authority park planners recognize the ne ed for local people to be given strong incentives to participate in co -management of the protected area. This paper argues that despite a hi story of conflict with indigenous peoples, State officials have in thi s instance demonstrated a willingness to work with local people and co mmunity leaders. At the same time, they are encouraging community deve lopment, helping people to find alternatives to activities that threat en the park's wildlife.