Author Description

This book documents, for the first time in a single text, the multi-disciplinary task of managing protected areas. An applied text, it presents numerous case studies and snapshots that demonstrate the stunning variety of Australian protected areas. It focuses on the conservation future of Australia's outstanding natural and cultural heritage, which is displayed in reserves such as Kosciuszko, Kakadu, Shark Bay, South West Tasmania, and the Great Barrier Reef.The book has three parts: Part A explains the environmental, social, political, and historical context of management. Part B examines in depth the main principles and practices of such management. These chapters cover a variety of areas: using, obtaining, and managing information; planning, administration; economics; natural heritage; cultural heritage; threatening processes; incidents; tourism and visitor management; working with the community; indigenous people and protected areas; conservation at a landscape scale; and managing for the future. Part C is a summary of information on the protected areas in each Australian state and territory.This innovative book will help students and practitioners improve the management of protected areas in Australia and elsewhere, Of value to anyone with an active interest in the conservation and improved management of protected areas, the book will interest and assist park neighbors, park visitors, rural communities, politicians, conservationists, and indigenous peoples. It will also be of benefit to protected area managers around the world, given that generic issues faced by Australian managers are common to most other areas. Recognizing this, the book has been endorsed as a joint IUCN (The World Conservation Union) initiative.