There is debate on whether protected areas help in poverty alleviation or are instead poverty traps. In this study, the impact of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda on local incomes and livelihoods is assessed. The study also seeks local perceptions on collaborative natural resource management scheme. Data was collected from a stratified random sample based on proximity to the park boundary. Proximity to the park negatively affected access to social services. Dependence on park income was not influenced by proximity but by membership to a resource user group....