The Cultural Context Of Biodiversity Conservation

How are biological diversity, protected areas, indigenous knowledge and religious worldviews related? From an anthropological perspective, this book provides an introduction into the complex subject of conservation policies that cannot be addressed without recognising the encompassing relationship between discursive, political, economic, social and ecological facets. By facing these interdependencies across global, national and local dynamics, it draws on an ethnographic case study among Maya-Q'eqchi' communities living in the margins of protected areas in Guatemala. In documenting the cultural aspects of landscape, the study explores the coherence of diverse expressions of indigenous knowledge. It intends to remind of cultural values and beliefs closely tied to subsistence activities and ritual practices that define local perceptions of the natural environment. The basic idea is to illustrate that there are different ways of knowing and reasoning, seeing and endowing the world with meaning, which include visible material and invisible interpretative understandings. These tend to be underestimated issues in international debates and may provide an alternative approach upon which conservation initiatives responsive to the needs of the humans involved should be based on.

The loss of the earth's biological diversity is widely recognized as a critical environmental problem. That loss is most severe in developing countries, where the conditions of human existence are most difficult. Conserving Biodiversity presents an agenda for research that can provide information to formulate policy and design conservation programs in the Third World. The book includes discussions of research needs in the biological sciences as well as economics and anthropology, areas of critical importance to conservation and sustainable development. Although specifically directed toward development agencies, non-governmental organizations, and decisionmakers in developing nations, this volume should be of interest to all who are involved in the conservation of biological diversity.

Weaving together philosophical, historical, legal, scientific and personal viewpoints, this book gives a rich sample of the vast web which makes up our cultural, spiritual and social diversity. The volume highlights the central importance of cultural and spiritual values in the appreciation and preservation of all life and argues that these values give us a true reflection of worth. It demonstrates how many cultures see Nature as an extension of society, and how sensitive stewardship is an integral part of existence. The book covers: language and how cognition and speech encode indigenous knowledge systems are critical for preservation of diversity; the complex issue of indigenous people and the problems of preserving their relationships both with and within their societies; voices of the world - expressions of concern and disquiet over the declining world diversity; holistic health practices where environment and diet are integrated into indigenous medical health systems; the importance of developing effective intellectual property rights and territorial and land rights to enhance and maintain local control. This book arose out of the Global Biodiversity Assessment (GBA), a massive review of current knowledge in the broad field of biological diversity, commissioned by United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)

The goal of this transdisciplinary book is to identify the problems and challenges facing implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) - from the global, regional and local points of view. The valuation and conservation of biodiversity are critical first steps necessary for the adequate protection of the environment. The authors give insights into the the influences the CBD exerts, and current trends in the field.

Conservation Social Science Groundbreaking book that examines the essential contribution of the social sciences to understanding and conserving biodiversity across the globe Authored by leading scholars at the nexus of social science and biodiversity conservation, Conservation Social Science addresses the growing realization that biodiversity conservation is, at heart, a social phenomenon. Threats to biological diversity are influenced by a wide range of political, economic and cultural factors. The conservation of biodiversity is conceived and carried out by people. Biodiversity conservation is a manifestation of human beliefs and values. Choices about which species and habitats to conserve, how to prioritize efforts, and how to conserve them are inherently social − with consequences not just for wildlife but also human lives and livelihoods. Key topics covered in this thought-provoking text include: An introduction to key social science disciplines and how each field specifically relates to biodiversity conservation How to make social sciences an integral part of conservation strategies and initiatives How social science theories and analytic approaches can explain and help predict patterns of human behavior How biodiversity conservation as a ubiquitous societal phenomenon can provide insights into human society in general Conservation Social Science is an essential, one-of-a-kind survey of novel approaches to explaining and fostering more effective, just, and enduring conservation of biodiversity. It is academically rigorous and comprehensive in scope, yet sufficiently nontechnical and concise to be accessible to a global audience of students, faculty, and environmental professionals and policymakers.

This major book explores commons, lands and rights of usage in common, traditional and customary practices, and the cultural nature of ‘landscapes’. Importantly, it addresses now critical matters of ‘cultural severance’ and largely unrecognized impacts on biodiversity and human societies, and implications for conservation, sustainability, and local economies. The book takes major case studies and perspectives from around the world, to address contemporary issues and challenges from historical and ecological perspectives. The book developed from major international conferences and collaborations over around fifteen years, culminating ‘The End of Tradition?’ in Sheffield, UK, 2010. The chapters are from individuals who are both academic researchers and practitioners. These ideas are now influencing bodies like the EU, UNESCO, and FAO, with recognition by major organisations and stakeholders, of the critical state of the environment consequent on cultural severance.

Cultural Diversity Is Closely Linked To Biodiversity. Humanity S Collective Knowledge Of Biodiversity And Its Use And Management Rests In Cultural Diversity; Conversely, Conserving Biodiversity Often Helps Strengthen Cultural Integrity Beliefs, And Values. Task Before Us Is To Safeguard Cultural And Biological For Present And Future Generations. Anthropology S Enduring Interest In People S Knowledge Systems Has Recently Attracted The Attention Of Development Policymakers And Practitioners. Indigenous Knowledge Has Emerged With The Focus On Popular Participation And Planning-From-Below. There Is Greater Need To Discuss The Links Between Nature And Culture, And Particularly To Acknowledge The Intangible/ Tangible Heritage Of Indigenous/ Tribal People In The World. This Volume Is Being Brought Out As A Special Commemorative Volume During Out As A Special Commemorative Volume During The 16Th World Congress Of The International Union Of Anthropological And Ethnological Sciences (Iuaes) 2009, Kunming, Yunna, China-27-31 July 2009. In Order To Be Compatible With The Focal Theme Of Humanity, Development And Cultural Diversity Of The 16Th World Congress Iuaes, 2009, We Have Chosen The Somewhat Allied Theme Of Cultural Diversity, Indigenous Knowledge, And Biodiversity Conservation To Bring This Special Volume. In Doing So Our Prime Purpose Is To Present Before The World Anthropologists A Faction Of Our Contribution Towards Understanding The Large Vision Of Humanity, Development And Cultural Diversity. The Chosen Themes Of Cultural Diversity, Indigenous Knowledge, And Biodiversity Conservation Are Too Focused To Be Adequately And Justifiably Analyzed By The Specialists In One Discipline. Hence, We Approached The Colleagues In Allied Discipline. All Papers Focus On Long Or More Of The Issues Of The Cultural Diversity, Indigenous Knowledge, And Biodiversity Conservation And In Doing So They Are Not Confined To Asia / South Asia Alone.