http://www.sprep.org
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http://www.sprep.org |
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The environment of the Pacific
islands region is diverse, with over 2000 ecosystems including flora and fauna
found nowhere else in the world. Traditionally there has been a healthy respect
for the environment and a recognition of the linkage between stewardship of
the environment and the long-term survival of Pacific island peoples. Rising
material expectations and increasing populations are placing considerable pressure
on the limited land and coastal marine ecosystems and the biodiversity they
contain. Development and resource extraction have in many instances taken place
without proper planning or thought for long-term effects. As a result, issues
of solid waste management, water conservation, soil erosion, low crop yields
and reduction of fish stock have become widespread in the Pacific region. Unsafe
practices in toxic waste disposal, anticipated climatic and sea-level changes
and species depletion are now adding to the environmental concerns of the region.
In addition, the Pacific environment is also under threat from problems which
have their origin outside the region, including climate change issues and transboundary
movement of wastes.
Pacific island governments are now placing greater emphasis on encouraging
investment in areas such as tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and mineral
exploration and extraction in the hope of boosting the economy of the region
as a whole. For such economic development to continue into the long term, effective
environmental management and conservation techniques and policies must become
an integral part of all development activities. Policy makers need to become
fully aware of the need for integration of environmental management, conservation
and planning into the development process, as well as the need for the Pacific
to have a voice in international discussions on the means of addressing global
problems. At the same time, all other levels of the community must also understand
the importance of environmental management and the impacts of uncontrolled
economic development activities on their lives.
Effective implementation of environmental management and conservation programmes
depends on education, awareness raising and training in the relevant areas.
Without an understanding of how to conserve their natural resources, or indeed,
why they must do so, few communities would be motivated to participate actively
in programmes on environmental conservation.
The Barbados Programme of Action on the Sustainable Development of Small Island
Developing States puts into perspective the need for education with respect
to environmental management: “It is a matter of high priority to strengthen
national educational and training mechanisms in order to facilitate the flow
of information on sustainable development issues, enhance public awareness
of the environment and encourage participation in the implementation of effective
solutions. A key requirement is to promote access to and improve the quality
of basic education” (Barbados Programme of Action on the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing States, par 62) .
The target groups for environmental education are diverse, ranging from children
through youth and women’s groups to community leaders and politicians.
In addition, the Pacific islands region has a diverse range of languages and
cultures which also require special attention. In order that environmental
information is effectively imparted to each of these target groups, it is essential
that innovative and practicable communication and educational programmes are
implemented. The implementation of such programmes requires skilled personnel
with a dedicated approach to environmental education and training. Often, in-country
training of educators is required to ensure that good teaching practices are
employed in formal, non-formal and public education areas. These activities
require the dedication of time, funds and personnel. Ensuring widespread awareness
and knowledge will strengthen the capacity of Pacific island countries to manage
the use of their natural resources over the long term.
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