## 2 Theoretical Background  
Given the continuous expansion of PA worldwide and the wide diversity of types and objectives of PA management [43; 44; 45], the need for assessments of the effectiveness of PA management hasalso increased [46; 47]. To assess PA management effectiveness, various indices (e.g., personnel, facilities, finance, laws, regulations, and institutional framework) have been analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In order to promote management effectiveness in detail, these indices should be improved [2]. However, some studies argue that, besides management effectiveness of PA, such assessments should also focus on good governance as well to encourage balanced interactions between management organizations and surrounding communities, to improve accountability, and to equitably distribute conservation benefits [5; 9; 48]. [PERSON] et al. [49] argue that PA governance assessment focuses on the structure and process of how to make decisions, to exercise power, and to divide responsibilities and that it involves a variety of factors (including laws and regulations, policies, cultural background, values, and human rights) [2; 50]. [PERSON] et al. [51] argue that good governance of PA provides the basis for attaining management benefits and thus should comply with some basic principles, including inclusiveness, integration, legitimacy, transparency, accountability, fairness, capability, and adaptability. Inclusiveness signifies the essential guiding value of governance; namely, good governance should include and integrate the benefits, knowledge, opinions, and actions of diverse stakeholders to address varied and complex situations and to promote effective utilization of natural resources. Legitimacy should be based on a transparent decision-making procedure and should allow downward, outward, and upward extension of accountability, thus augmenting the fairness of governance. Good governance should assist stakeholders in developing the capability, organization, and institution of management, thus improving adaptability to environmental uncertainty. [PERSON] [9] and [PERSON] et al. [52] contend that governance quality is intended to check and promote the effectiveness of governance in the context of decision-making and execution. Governance quality focuses on processes that are aimed at the good governance of PA by facilitating improvements in the quality of decision-making and execution [6; 53] and could be regarded concretely as a multitude of dynamic feedback mechanisms at all societal levels [54]. [PERSON] et al. [10] point out that the notion of \"governance quality\" plays a key role in different governance types. Governance quality treats the PA as holistic systems and maintains the following principles: voice and legitimacy, direction, performance, accountability, fairness, and rights. First, governance quality should involve respect for the basic rights of local communities and include local voices in decision-making processes for PA, thus establishing the legitimacy of PA governance. Second, the management organizations of PA should stipulate definite, appropriate, and attainable visions and directions jointly with local communities through open participation and consultation. Meanwhile, information sharing and the decision-making process should be transparent to ensure consistency between management effectiveness and governance effectiveness. Besides, an accountability mechanism should be established between management organizations and stakeholders to improve governance. Finally, stakeholders should share the outcomes and benefits of PA based on the principle of fairness and respect for rights [6; 10]. Governance quality focuses on improvements in decision-making procedures and institutional rearrangements, and its core element is the participation of stakeholders [55; 56; 57].