Capacity building is important to drive sustainable biodiversity conservation and protected areas.
University of Papua New Guinea lecturer at the Centre for Biodiversity & Natural Products Division of Biological Sciences, Professor Simon Saulei, says there’s not enough capacity building going on.
Speaking at a consultative workshop on Protected Area Policy, underway in Port Moresby, Professor Saulei explained that the success of long term sustainable biodiversity conservation and PA depends on capacity building, aimed at supporting individuals and institutions to effectively address threats to biodiversity.
Saulei said it is needed to empower individuals and institutions to perform, solve, set and achieve the objectives of biodiversity conservation and protected area in a sustainable manner.
Capacity building enhances better awareness, understanding and knowledge about the importance of biodiversity and the need to conserve it, stresses the professor.
“There’s not enough of capacity building going on, especially for local conservationists.
“Therefore we continue to bring in external conservation professionals to manage local conservation projects.
“Local communities must be engaged, participate actively and have ownership of PAs and conservation programs that they can drive forward,” Professor Saulei said.
Saulei added that it is important to foster greater understanding of the clear links between capacity building and biodiversity conservation ad PA.
This will enhance efforts towards long term sustainable biodiversity conservation and PA programs for the benefit of the people and country.
Picture courtesy of www.zoo.og.au