Evidence of a mixed impact of greenspaces on the economic benefits of local people across Asia and Africa

Green spaces, such as parks, nature reserves, and forests, are increasingly recognized for their ecological, social, and economic values. However, their economic impact on local communities in Asia and Africa presents a mixed picture. This study examines evidence from various regions across these continents to analyze how green spaces contribute to the livelihoods of local people. While some communities benefit significantly from increased tourism, job creation, and the sale of eco-products, others face challenges such as restricted access to natural resources, inequitable revenue sharing, and displacement. The result indicated both positive and negative correlation of the protected area and household income. The existence of publication bias was investigated using the Funnel approach and Orwin 139 fail-safe number. By exploring diverse case studies, this research underscores the complex and context-dependent relationship between green spaces and local economic benefits in different continents.