Discusses this urgent issue in the historical and social context of Asia, dealing with the problems of coexistence among human beings as well as coexistence between human beings and nature. The volume aims to contribute to global tackling of these problems by focussing on local/regional commitments to solve the problems and integrating specialized knowledge. It considers the kind of relationship between human communities and nature that may lead to a more balanced, sustainable future for both.
Foreword: Challenging the Problems of Coexistence in Asia.- Part 1. Coexisting with Peoples: Self and Society: Introduction; 1-1. Confrontation and Coexistence in 16th-18th Century Asia; 1-2. Language and Education in Colonial and Postcolonial India; 1-3. Environmental Preservation and Community Welfare under Rural Development Projects; 1-4. Formation of Sustainable Urban Development Strategies in Asia; 1-5. Social Restructuring in East Asia after the Crisis - A Bottom-up Style or a Top-down Style.- Part 2. Coexisting with Nature: Societies and Environments: Introduction; 2-1. From "Natural Wealth" to "Resources", Simplification of Nature in Asia; 2-2. Coffee, Poverty and Environment; 2-3. Utilization and Regional Bio-resources; 2-4. Climate and Human Activities; 2-5. Global Sustainability and the Role of Asia.