Comparing perceived distributional equity in state-dominated and co-managed protected areas

Distributional equity is pivotal to the coordination between protected areas and local development because it affects local legitimacy, compliance, and support for conservation. Nevertheless, the socio-institutional mechanisms that shape local perceptions of such fairness remain insufficiently understood. Applying the Social-Ecological Systems Framework, we compared two archetypal governance arrangements in China: Wolong Nature Reserve (state-dominated) and Tangjiahe Nature Reserve (co-managed), to examine how differing governance arrangements and socioeconomic factors jointly shape equity perceptions in protected-area contexts. Based on both quantitative questionnaires (n = 593) and qualitative interviews (n = 78), our findings reveal that overall perceived distributional equity is moderately positive, with higher scores of positive fairness perceptions observed in co-managed protected areas compared to state-dominated ones. Community participation directly enhances perceptions of distributional equity and mediates the influence of governance systems and resource units on such perceptions. Longer-term residency is associated with more negative equity perceptions, while the influences of gender, education, and income vary across locales. These results underscore the importance of local participation in facilitating more positive perceptions of distributional equity in protected areas. To ensure conservation approaches are perceived as fair and equitable, authorities should strengthen transparency and inclusiveness in participation mechanisms. They should also establish adaptive measures to promptly address perceived inequities.