Ecological Training for Developing Countries: Strategies and Actions of the MAB Programme

Abstract

Trained endogenous manpower in the ecological and related sciences is considered by developing countries as a key factor in enabling them to adopt new kinds of economic development, as well as new types of environmental education which respond to national goals and national socio-economic and ecological conditions. A core of trained specialists is therefore required. Examples and experience from UNESCO’s intergovernmental programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB) are used to highlight problems and challenges involved in the training of such manpower. Three major groups of problems are recognized: the lack of a critical mass of scientists in most developing countries; the type and quality of training programmes; and the lack of continuity in much scientific endeavour in developing countries. Examples are given of MAB strategies and actions for trying to solve these problems. The importance of adopting a diversity of approaches is stressed, as is the role of the international scientific community in helping developing countries to build up their endogenous scientific capacities.