Nature and Culture: Rebuilding Lost Connections

Description

There is a growing recognition that the diversity of life comprises both biological and cultural diversity. But this division is not universal and, in many cases, has been deepened by the common disciplinary divide between the natural and social sciences and our apparent need to manage and control nature. This book goes beyond divisive definitions and investigates the bridges linking biological and cultural diversity. The authors explore the common drivers of loss, and argue that policy responses should target both forms of diversity in a novel integrative approach to conservation, thus reducing the gap between science, policy and practice. While conserving nature alongside human cultures presents unique challenges, this book forcefully shows that any hope for saving biological diversity is predicated on a concomitant effort to appreciate and protect cultural diversity. Contributors include: Helen Newing, University of Kent, UK Jonathon Loh, Zoological Society of London, David Harmon, The George Wright Society Ellen Woodley, The Heron Group Bill Adams, University of Cambridge, UK Tirso Gonzales, University of British Columbia, Canada Maria Gonzalez David J. Rapport, Ecohealth Consulting, British Columbia Luisa Maffi, Terralingua, BC, Canada Martina Tyrrell Garry Marvin, Roehampton University, UK Patricia Howard, University of Kent, UK Eugene N Anderson, University of California, USA James Robson & Fikret Berkes, University of Manitoba, Canada Glenn Albrecht, Murdoch University, Australia Colin Samson, University of Essex, UK

Sarah Pilgrim is a Senior Research Officer at the Centre for Environment and Society, University of Essex, UK. Her areas of interest include indigenous and local knowledge systems, community resource management and cultural revitalisation. Her geographic expertise includes the Indo-Pacific, southern India and Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. Jules Pretty OBE is Professor of Environment and Society in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Essex, UK, and Chief Editor of the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. His works include The Earth Only Endures (2007), The Earthscan Reader in Sustainable Agriculture (2005), The Pesticide Detox (2005), Agri-Culture (2002), The Living Land (1998), Regenerating Agriculture (1995), The Hidden Harvest (1992) and Unwelcome Harvest (1991).

'This richly textured book tells vitally important stories about how indigenous cultures are closely tied to the ecosystems they inhabit. As their societies are harassed by encroaching and usually hostile forces, those close links are being stretched and broken. Quite apart from their right to continue to live as they choose, there is much we can learn from them about how to live in harmony with nature. Indeed, our very existence may depend upon our recognizing this.' Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE, President, Survival International. 'People have been considered separate from nature for far too long, and this book provides a welcome antidote. With a group of experienced contributors, it provides a kaleidoscope of the unity of people with the rest of nature. These perspectives have immediate application for anyone seeking a more sustainable future for both biological and cultural diversity, which this book shows to be part of the same unity.' Dr Jeffrey A. McNeely, Senior Science Advisor, IUCN 'This fascinating, insightful book brings together an array of distinguished scholars highlighting the inter-connectedness of humans and nature which underpins social, ecological and cultural resilience in the face of current global crises. An outstanding and original contribution to sustainability science.' Professor Katrina Brown, School of International Development, University of East Anglia, UK 'Nature and Culture is an inspiring and deeply informative collection that probes nature/culture interconnections in fascinating international cases. It revitalizes and refines our commitment to a new paradigm for human relations with the earth. A gem of a book.' Professor Peggy F. Barlett, Goodrich C. White Professor of Anthropology, Emory University, USA 'This collection provides a glimpse of paradise re-gained, when our mis-judged separation from and ambition to master Nature can be repaired. If we are to survive and prosper in the decades to come, we must knit ourselves back into the web of life, recognising the resilience which stems from investing in diverse social, dietary and eco-systems.' Dr Camilla Toulmin, Director, International Institute for Environment and Development 'Nature and Culture moves beyond dichotomies and boundaries, bringing together philosophical, linguistic, socio-cultural, biological, and agricultural livelihood perspectives to document the inextricable co-evolution of ecosystems and cultures. Whether it is through the sacred cosmologies that shape and maintain mosaic landscapes, or the food cultures that promote health and sustainable diets, or the languages that encode our diverse interactions with nature, the authors provide pathways to reconnect people with ecosystems to ensure their resilience and prospects for improving human welfare. This book belongs on the desk of all concerned with improving the ways we manage our social and ecological systems to sustain life.' Dr Pablo B. Eyzaguirre, Senior Scientist, Bioversity International