Advanced Introduction to Community-based Conservation - Fikret Berkes

Professor Fikret Berkes provides a unique introduction to the social and interdisciplinary dimensions of biodiversity conservation. Examining a range of approaches, new ideas, controversies and debates, he demonstrates that biodiversity loss is not primarily a technical issue, but a social problem that operates in an economic, political and cultural context. Berkes concludes that conservation must be democratized in order to broaden its support base and build more inclusive constituencies for conservation.

Key features include:

focus on Indigenous peoples' rights, knowledge and practicesdiscussion of commons governance, co-management and responsibilityexploration of the history of conservation and the nature stewardship traditionsa broad view of conservation that encompasses the well-being of humans as well as ecosystemsTaking an interdisciplinary social science approach that includes conservation science concepts, this Advanced Introduction will benefit students of environmental studies, geography, ecology and conservation. It will also be a useful resource for conservation organizations.