Conservation in the Context of a Changing World Concepts, Strategies, and Evidence

About this book

Recent developments in ecological theory point the way to a stewardship approach that promotes biocultural diversity and ecosystem resilience. In addition, the escalating pace of anthropogenic environmental change makes it clear that conservation strategies which incorporate social as well as ecological dimensions are essential. This thoroughly updated version of Conserving Living Natural Resources: In the Context of a Changing World covers a broader geographic, historical, and cultural scope that integrates material from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Contemporary and comprehensive, this book provides essential material for understanding trade-offs between different options for resolving complex issues, including climate policy, the contrasting interests of different groups, the changing roles of Indigenous peoples, biopiracy, human-wildlife conflict, and new governance models such as co-management. Sources of evidence about the natural world and the roles of local and traditional people are emphasized. This is a vital resource for making informed decisions about controversial issues in conservation.

Contents

Preface
Introduction: getting and evaluating information for making decisions about conservation

Part I. Maintaining Populations of Featured Species: A Utilitarian Approach to Conservation
1. Historical context: beginnings of formal utilitarian conservation
2. Central concepts: populations, succession and ecosystems
3. Strategies: managing harvests and habitats for valued species
4. Strategies: managing to minimize conflicts between pests and people

Part II. Protecting and Restoring Populations and Habitats: A Preservationist Approach to Conservation:
5. Historical context: rising concerns about human impacts
6. Central concepts: evolution, adaptation and extinction
7. Strategies: protecting and restoring species
8. Strategies: protecting and restoring ecosystems

Part III. Promoting Biocultural Diversity and Resilience: A Stewardship Approach to Conservation
9. Historical context: new opportunities and challenges
10. Central concepts: complexity and change
11. Strategies: stewardship to conserve complex, resilient ecosystems
12. Strategies: stewardship to integrate conservation of biological and cultural diversity

Appendix: types of ecosystems
Bibliography
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Bertie J. Weddell is a retired member of the Washington State University faculty, and former Principal and founder of Draba, a natural resource conservation business. She has been teaching, writing, and consulting about conservation for four decades. Dr Weddell has provided expert testimony on wetland ecology regarding Tribal and federal water rights. She is the author of Conserving Living Natural Resources: In the Context of a Changing World (Cambridge University Press, 2002).