What was the Sarawak-Lincoln programme1998-2003?
One in which 78 experienced national park and wildlife officers of Sarawak’s Forest Department undertook a substantial educational programme in planning and management for conservation and use in Sarawak’s protected areas.
Why Lincoln University?
Lincoln University (Canterbury, New Zealand) provided a successful programme of re-training for NZ’s national park rangers in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. It has also taken a leadership role in the provision of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in nature conservation, park management and tourism.
Why such an emphasis on re-training?
In Sarawak, rapid increases in protected area visitor numbers and increasing loss of bio-diversity were recognised by the government of Sarawak as serious problems. These were highlighted in two major planning documents – the Second Tourism Master Plan (1993) and the Master Plan for Wildlife in Sarawak (1996). A requirement for competent officers with wide ranging skills in conservation and tourism management was identified in both documents.
What was the product?
A modular (block course) programme was recommended. A range of subjects were integrated into five blocks, loosely described as: -
• Protected area planning and management;
• Cultural and ecotourism;
• Conservation ecology;
• Interpretation;
• Parks and reserves engineering;
plus a research essay.
Who did the teaching?
About one third from Lincoln University (LU) staff who travelled to Sarawak as required, one third by LU staff based in Sarawak, and one third by subject specialists and practitioners in Sarawak.
What were the results?
Fifty-eight students graduated in 2001/2002. A further 10 completed all modules but had not at that stage submitted their research essays.
Has the programme benefited conservation management?
Significant improvement has been noted by senior management in terms of the skills, knowledge and attitudes of those who participated. Abilities to analyse management needs and appropriate actions along with visitor management and communication skills have been enhanced. Some expected changes have, however, been more difficult to identify as major reorganisation of the Sarawak Forest Sector and its operations have coincided with the completion of the certificate phase of the
programme.
In hindsight, are there better ways to have done this work?
Probably yes. Protected area management can be supported, but not driven, by training. Institutional arrangements to ensure that training and education are fully utilised are paramount. Senior and middle managers must be fully aware of, and supportive of, training outcomes and the new initiatives that develop from them. Ideally, senior managers, through short courses or similar opportunities, need to be exposed to the key concepts included in the training package. Recognition of training for career advancement is a further need. Each of these need to be in place at the beginning of any
programme.
The bigger picture.
The Certificate of Conservation and Ecotourism Management is not a one off “quick fix”. It must be part of a package that includes other educational opportunities and recruitment pathways. In Sarawak, postgraduate programmes have been provided for a senior forest officer and others are available. Certificate holders may progress to a Diploma and other recruitment issues to meet special needs must constantly be reviewed. No doubt this will be one of the major foci of this workshop.
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