Boulders on the reef : biodiversity and climate change in the Cook Islands: are we walking the talk? | |
| Author | Tiraa, Anna Elizabeth |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.NR-11-01 |
| Subject(s) | Marine resources--Cook Islands Climatic changes--Cook Islands Biological diversity--Cook Islands |
| Note | Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resource Management, School of Environment, Resource and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. NR-11-01 |
| Abstract | This study examines the relationship between natural resources practices and relevant policies that are aimed at maintaining healthy ecosystems in the Cook Islands in the face of climate change. This was achieved by analyzing linkages between biodiversity and climate change policy, and an assessment of people’s perceptions as to whether climate change is affecting the natural resources. The targeted group of resource users was coastal fisher folk from the village of Matavera on the island of Rarotonga. The study found that there is no integration between climate change and biodiversity policy. The policy and practice are basically detached from each other in terms of achieving sustainability of natural resources, resulting in a lack of implementation of relevant activities on the ground. External processes and institutions also sway the direction of policy, planning and funding. The weakest link is at the national to the local level. There is no connection between global and local levels. Consequently, the policy and management approach is very much “top down”. There is a need to bridge the gap between communities and government in order to ensure the policy and practice are complimentary. A great deal will rely on political will to attain a “bottom up” approach. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to bridge the gaps |
| Year | 2011 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. NR-11-01 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Perret, Sylvain;Cochard, Roland;Hay, John; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | United Nations Environment Programme |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2011 |