Based on the proceedings of a conference in 1994, this fourth volume argues that the survival of human society depends on all land and seascapes being managed holistically and sustainably, not just the individual reserves and sanctuaries. This can only be achieved by the joint action of the full community as well as the greater co-operation between different agencies and scientists. |Single discipline training of scientists plus fragmented management of conservation lands has limited the advances in nature conservation, as has the conception of all communities as cheap labour forces to be exploited. Communities must be essential partners in the development of policy, objectives, and management, if effective conservation is to be achieved. In short, networks of people are our conservation force, while networks of organisms are our conservation resource. These issues, together with those associated with developing and maintaining networks for conservation are discussed here, with examples from Africa, Asia, Australiasia, Central America, Europe, Britain, North America and the Pacific.