Sound knowledge and respect of cultural practices in local government is also an essential requirement. Pacific Island Countries including Samoa are not short of local experts who are well versed in their own culture and can provide important advice to those spearheading capacity building campaigns. As is evident in the case of Samoa, most of the elements central to capacity building for good governance are already entrenched in the traditions of local government in that country, and similar practices can be found in other PICs. Having genuine insight into these cultural practices and beliefs enables development partners to build on those traditions. This strategy is important as it gives an assurance to local authorities and people that their traditional practices are important and deserve recognition and strengthening. In return, locals are more likely to be supportive of capacity building initiatives. By contrast, failing to recognize traditional practices and beliefs could have disastrous consequences for capacity building.