Meg Keen

Learning in sustainable natural resource management: challenges and opportunities in the Pacific

The importance of learning in natural resource management (NRM) is being recognized by an increasing number of scholars and practitioners. A learning approach to NRM applies principles and theories of adult, organizational and social learning, and is underpinned by three core elements: systems thinking, negotiation, and reflection. By combining learning theories with concepts from adaptive management, comanagement, and participatory resource management, this article explores how the explicit inclusion of learning principles and processes can strengthen community-based natural resource management. Case studies from the South Pacific are used to draw out lessons for the wider application of learning approaches to NRM.

Sustainability Assessment and Local Government: Achieving Innovation through Practitioner Networks.

Abstract A strategic approach to local sustainability assessment requires that sustainability implications of proposed policies, plans and programmes are evaluated. These evaluations need to critically consider organizational structures, processes and outcomes. The establishment of ‘communities of practice’, groups or networks of practitioners with shared interests, is a helpful mechanism for facilitating change in a wide range of organizations. This paper analyses the potential for communities of practice to contribute to the implementation of sustainability assessments by local government. Focusing on Sutherland Shire Council in Sydney, Australia, this paper presents the findings of a project that engaged practitioners in the design of a sustainability assessment system. The establishment of communities of practice helped to break down the ‘silos’ created by institutional divides within local government, but this approach also raises challenges in maintaining momentum and overcoming political agendas.

The Effect of the Sunship Earth Program on Knowledge and Attitude Development

ABSTRACT:The influence of the earth education program, Sunship Earth, on ecological knowledge and environmental attitudes was examined. It was found that students who attended the Sunship Earth program increased their ecological knowledge significantly. Participation in the Sunship Earth program did not result in more positive environmental attitudes. Part of the success of the Sunship Earth program is attributed to the setting in which it occurs and the techniques used to develop ecological concepts. The need for more opportunities for teachers to develop skills in environmental education and to participate in environmental education curriculum development that would link extension education more firmly to the school curriculum is discussed.

Urbanization in the Pacific: environmental change, vulnerability and human security.

The world is in the midst of a substantial urban transition, but the impacts of this on the environment and human societies are not fully understood. Very little attention has been paid to urbanization processes in developing countries with smaller populations, despite the evident problems associated with urbanization. There are both biophysical and social vulnerabilities associated with urbanization in the South Pacific and these vulnerabilities affect human security. The biophysical vulnerabilities include the fragile environments of the island nations, limited land resources, shortages of basic resources, and the risks associated with global warming. The ability to respond to these problems is constrained by social vulnerabilities, notably weak economies, difficulties associated with land ownership, and institutional limitations. There is a need for institutional reform, improved planning, better urban resource management, and greater regional cooperation, if Pacific island nations are to respond effectively to rapid urbanization and global change.

Environmental planning at the local level: The example of local conservation strategies in Victoria, Australia

SummaryWhile there is a burgeoning literature on national approaches to environmental policy and programmes, much less interest thus far has been shown in the role of local government. However, the State of Victoria in Australia, in the period 1988–1990, took a world lead in encouraging local municipalities to formulate Local Conservation Strategies (LCSs) with a high level of citizen input. The paper places this programme initiative in context and reports on the results of consultations and workshops with local Municipal Conservation Officers who have been in the front line in terms of developing and implementing LCSs in that State. In particular, the paper explores the process of LCS formulation and highlights some of the benefits and problems with the programme so far.

Catalysts for change: the emerging role of participatory research in land management

Land management is a complex process which involves the interaction of biophysical and social variables. New demands are being placed on biophysical researchers working in land management to communicate more effectively with the public and to involve the public in the research process. The catalysts for change in the practice of land management research are clearly outlined with respect to pressures from new government policies, from institutions funding research, from communities in which the research is occurring and from within the academic environment itself. In order to meet these new demands, collaborative efforts – incorporating different academic disciplines and between researchers and communities – must occur. Traditional scientific approaches can benefit from the incorporation of techniques and approaches used within participatory research. The concept of participation and its relevance to biophysical research in land management is discussed, as well as the key characteristics of participatory research. Examples, predominantly from Australia, are provided; however the global scope of the changes is highlighted.‘It is increasingly recognized that agriculture is a complex social process, not simply a complex, diverse and risky technical activity. This implies new theoretical as well as methodological challenges’..(present authors emphasis) (Scoones and Thompson, 1994, p. 5).

The Politics of Local Environmental Management

Environmental management on the part of local government is now being accorded a high priority in certain parts of Australia. To date, for example, approximately 25 local councils in Victoria – either singly or jointly – have been involved in the development of Local Conservation Strategies (LCSs), most with some financial assistance from the Government of Victorias Office of the Environment. The majority of these LCSs relate to urban rather than rural settings. There have been differences of approach depending upon such parameters as the initial professional training of the main officers concerned, the councils level of political commitment to the idea, and the socio-economic make-up of the local community.

Sustainable Development Assistance and NGOs: Their Roles, Concerns and Contributions

Sustainable development and related environmental concerns are now a key theme in Australias development assistance programme. Those involved in aid delivery have their projects assessed for environmental impacts, and are encouraged to develop projects with an environmental orientation through targeted funding initiatives. While the focus on improving environmental management in overseas development assistance continues to sharpen over time through policy initiatives and funding, little is known about how this, trend is being perceived by those primarily involved in aid delivery. This article examines the perceptions of one group of key players, the Australian non-governmental organisations (NGOs). How have they been involved in the ongoing policy dialogues concerning sustainable development and aid? And, what role do they see themselves as playing in the delivery of aid aimed at improving environmental management in less wealthy countries? The results of this inquiry are used to suggest possible changes...