Rational ecology in the Pacific : the case of Western Samoa

Abstract

The ecosystems of the world are the ultimate source of life-support for human beings. The ability of the environment to provide such support is threatened by current exploitative practices in Western Samoa as elsewhere. In this study, the concept of ecological rationality is used to analyse environmental relations in Western Samoa. A comparative assessment is made of the traditional and contemporary socio-environmental systems, to determine their ability to contribute positively to life support.

The traditional system is found to have displayed a high degree of ecological rationality, possessing open and short channels for the flow of negative feedback from the environment to the seat of group decision-making. The other major contributing factor to this rationality was co-ordination. The traditional social rationality provided strong coordination of group behaviour through maintaining small group size, appropriate property rights, and complex social affiliations and obligations.

The contemporary situation contrasts sharply with the traditional. Feedback channels have been weakened and grown longer, and social co-ordination has suffered also. New institutions of central government and markets have introduced disruptive factors and new activities, but have not contributed any significant feedback or co-ordination mechanisms.

Samoans must find a way to restore their relationship with the environment. Survival of the Samoan way of life is intimately entwined with the health of their ecosystems, which in turn is dependent on the behaviour and attitudes of Samoans. The concepts of ecological rationality used in this study, and the analysis of Samoa's situation that has flowed from this perspective, offer an explanation of the current dynamics of Samoan relations with the environment. If this understanding is used to generate strategies which promote ecological rationality in Samoa, a stronger and more sustainable future is possible.