| OECS Countries Require Widespread Training in Protected Areas Planning and Management |
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| Written by ESDU |
| Tuesday, 20 March 2007 17:28 |
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A recent OECS study reveals that substantial training in Protected Areas management is critical for all six independent territories of the OECS.
Findings suggest that persons working in these countries had gained tremendous on-the-job experience within specific environmental portfolios. However the results indicated significant deficiencies in knowledge and skills for effective management of Protected Areas. The study captures the specific areas where skills and knowledge are most required to enhance the delivery and competencies of individuals to achieve the OECS’ sustainable, adaptive and consultative approach to managing natural resources. The study is funded by the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods (OPAAL) Project. Protected Area Specialist at the OECS Secretariat, Sarah George notes that in the field of protected areas, particularly the way in which protected areas in our region, there are often multi-use areas that require a very wide range of skills in terms of their management and also to support the development of livelihoods in those areas.To this end OPAAL is seeking to provide support to countries in capacity building and more effective management at the site level and national level. “We clearly saw the need to do a thorough assessment of what the needs are and then based on that assessment we would actually be able to pin point particular interventions that the project can do; some of which will be done at the level of the country; some at the level of the region; if there is a shared need; and some even at the level of the sight where there might be very specific livelihoods training needs. So this was really the idea behind the study.” Critical areas where training is required across the OECS region include Protected Areas Governance, Protected Areas Zoning, Enforcement and Surveillance, Protected Areas Financing & Fundraising, and Skills for Protected Areas Management. In addition to recognized needs at the national agency levels, the study also identified a series of training needs at the level of the Protected Area Sites. Training at this level is specifically recommended for income-generating activities which will be associated with OPAAL Demonstration Sites. The study found that community persons require training in areas such as Marketing and Communications, Tour Guiding, Craft Production, Boat Building and Handling, Customer Service, Business Management, and OPAAL Site Characteristics “Now the study is completed we can take that information and use it to enhance the effectiveness of the OPAAL project and its ability to meet the country needs.”-George,The results of this assessment will inform the design and implementation of training program(s) for building the capacity of individuals working in protected area planning and management as well as those functioning or interested in sustainable livelihood practices in Protected Areas |
| Last Updated on Saturday, 30 May 2009 17:22 |
Results follow an extensive assessment of national and site level needs for protected areas planning and management. The study was conducted in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.