Jungle Tim

[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 3, No. 2  12 May - 9 June 2008 ]

Development Studies Masters student Tim Mann recently returned from 12 months in Indonesia working with an NGO on orang-utan reintroduction.

He reports the experience gave him an appreciation of the complexities of development processes where interests in conservation, economic development and human rights may be in conflict with one another.

“Habitat and species loss are intimately associated with issues of economic development and politics. As such I wanted to look at conservation from a broader standpoint.”

A trained veterinarian who had already worked in development, Tim says he chose to do an Arts degree because he wanted to further explore development theory and the way in which cultural, political, economic, environmental and religious factors influence development decisions.

“Historically, conservation and development have frequently been at odds with one another. I hope to further investigate the possibilities of conservation through development,” he says.

“I chose Arts at Melbourne for its international reputation. The Development Studies program was particularly appealing because it provides a solid grounding in development theory while offering some great practical/fieldwork opportunities as part of the course. The ability to complete an international internship as part of the course was especially attractive. I am also keen to continue to extend my Indonesian language skills. Being able to do this as part of the Masters in Development Studies was particularly appealing,” he says.

On completing his course Tim hopes to continue to develop his association with Indonesia. “Ideally I’d like to work for an NGO with strong links to Indonesia – whether this is in the field of conservation or not I remain uncertain.

“I have a keen interest in conservation and this is something that I would like to develop further, although I am eager to extend my knowledge in international politics, economics and other fields unrelated to veterinary science.”