Fisheries and Wildlife Technical Assistance in Developing Nations: Keys to Successful Interventions

Throughout the developing nations of the world, numerous exciting and rewarding opportunities exist for American Fisheries Society members to contribute their time and technical expertise.  Critical needs include food production and income generation through aquaculture and small-scale fisheries development, habitat and watershed conservation, wildlife tourism programs that are integrated with local community development, and endangered species protection.  However, these interventions can be nonproductive, or even harmful, unless the consultant or volunteer is prepared to assist in a way that will be beneficial in the short term and long term.  Patience and flexibility, as well as communication and cross-cultural skills, are often of paramount importance.  A set of principles and approaches will be presented that can help ensure success in these kinds of assignments.  These guidelines will be illustrated by several wide-ranging case studies, from Asian seabass cage culture in Sri Lanka to gorilla conservation in Africa.