Have We Managed to Integrate Conservation and Development? ICDP Impacts in the Brazilian Amazon

Integrating conservation and development is central to the mission of many protected areas in the tropics, yet there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of alternative strategies for ICDPs (Integrated Conservation and Development Projects). We evaluate an enterprise-based conservation strategy in a high-profile and well-funded ICDP in the Tapajós National Forest of Brazil. Using survey data from participating and non-participating households collected pre and post intervention, we find positive impacts on household income, but almost no discernible impacts on household assets, livelihood portfolios, or forest conservation.