External pressures on McAdam National Park : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Parks and Recreation Management (Park Ranger option) at Lincoln University

Abstract

Papua New Guinea is a developing country. It is rich in natural resources such as marine fisheries, timber from the tropical rainforest, minerals (gold/copper) from beneath the ground, and now, oil and natural gas (inshore and offshore). As a developing country, there is a powerful temptation for the Government and the people to exploit these natural resources. To Papua-New Guineans nature conservation is not a new concept. They have been practising nature conservation since long before white men came bringing with them their "so-called" progress. This, however served to encourage the people in their exploitation of the natural resources as they sought quick monetary gains.

This is a study of the attitudes of McAdam National Park neighbours or local people and of park managers towards national parks and their functions in nature conservation and recreation. As there are no previous studies of this type carried out in Papua New Guinea, my interpretation of the McAdam case is based on my personal experiences while working there as a park ranger, as well as my background as a person born and raised in the changing environment of the Wau-Bulolo area.