Biodiversity and conservation in the Pacific Islands: why are we not succeeding?

Brodie, Gilianne D. and Pikacha, P. and Tuiwawa, Marika (2013) Biodiversity and conservation in the Pacific Islands: why are we not succeeding? In: Conservation Biology: Voices from the Tropics. John Wiley, N/A, pp. 181-187. ISBN 9780470658635

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Abstract

There are more than 25,000 relatively small islands located in the Pacific region. The flora and fauna of these islands are highly diverse, and many of the species that occur in the region have limited ranges and are not found elsewhere in the world. By nature of their small size, the majority of Pacific Islands are ecologically fragile and particularly vulnerable to climate change, overexploitation of natural resources, and invasive species. Many of the human-induced ecosystem changes currently occurring on these fragile islands are irreversible; they often relate to changes in community values and beliefs as well as the growing desire for income generation. In light of the continuing loss of traditional knowledge and practices, we are in dire need of strong, creative, ethical leaders who are not afraid to think outside the box. The education of our Pacific Island youth (emerging leaders) and a considerable strengthening of our human resource development are essential foundations for us to have any chance of making the necessary changes in human behavior needed to achieve long-term conservation success and sustainable environmental practices that will enhance the future health of Pacific Island communities.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Additional Information:	Chapter 21
Subjects:	UNSPECIFIED
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > Institute of Applied Science
Depositing User:	Users 24 not found.
Date Deposited:	09 May 2013 20:54
Last Modified:	07 Jun 2016 21:56
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/5796

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