Problems & Threats

Ecological & Economic Crossroads

Traditional custom-based systems of natural resource allocation and management were successful in avoiding resource depletion in the past. The last decades have seen progressive erosion in the close relationship between communities and their natural resources under the combined pressures of rapid social and economic changes and the perceived benefits of involvement in the cash economy.

Lure of the lucre
It is evident some customary land-owning communities have been seduced by the apparent benefits from rapid, large-scale natural resource extraction. Many have allowed outside groups to exploit their natural resources, often in irresponsible, non-sustainable and shortsighted ways.

Disastrous environmental consequences
The consequences of continuing non-sustainable natural resource exploitation are biologically, socially and economically disastrous. Deforestation, for example, poses serious environmental problems for Solomon Islands, and the potential loss of biodiversity is of global significance.

Urgent need to halt unsustainable natural resource exploitation
At the local level, such exploitation can leave communities with severe local environmental problems and deprive them of their traditional livelihood sources while generating little in sustainable benefits for the broader community. Other commercial options, such as collection and selling of beche de mer and other marine products are inadequately controlled and their harvesting results in substantial environmental and social impacts. Furthermore, traditional patterns of resource use and management are lost.

Communities realize problems but ill-equipped to handle pressures
In large part, because of the results of some recent natural resource extraction activities, more communities are becoming aware of problems associated with poor natural resource management. However, most resource owner groups are not equipped to deal with external exploitation pressures and an increasing number are seeking advice on natural resource management and options for sustainable development.

WWF and other NGOs can play a pivotal role
Resource owners want concrete, practical assistance in developing sound conservation practices and in exploring viable and sustainable development alternatives, and are increasingly approaching WWF and other environmental NGOs for such assistance.

More effort is needed to develop these options and to encourage, support and facilitate their application at community level. It is increasingly evident that landowners in the Solomons are learning from past mistakes and looking for guidance with the kinds of alternative, sustainable development initiatives that WWF has already successfully assisted a considerable number of communities to establish.