Training for conservation in a developing country - Western Samoa : This dissertation is presented as part requirement for the Diploma of Parks and Recreation, Lincoln College, Canterbury

Abstract

Western Samoa is a small country in the South Pacific struggling to improve its development and economic wellbeing.

Activity in the present National Park and Reserves system started during the 1960's. In 1979 with assistance from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and New Zealand, a project aimed at establishment a National Park system with an emphasis on establishing areas, training and preparing interpretive material commenced.

Considering the country's economic position, progress was very good. Following the project, work has continued but at a slower pace. Further work is required, particularly in the area of staff training, to enable management of the protected areas and to further the needs of conservation.

I propose that a comprehensive and flexible training scheme be established to cater for the varying needs of the people of the Pacific Island countries. This is based on a module training system giving staff a variety of options to fulfil their training needs.