Author Description

Bringing together contributions from forest officials, wildlife experts, academics, and activists, People and Protected Areas explores ways to understand conflicts between wildlife conservationists and the people who have historically been the strongest conservationists--traditional forest and wetlands dwellers. The contributors to this book focus on India′s vast network of national parks and sanctuaries (known as protected areas), which not only contain a significant part of the country′s surviving ecosystems and wildlife but also serve as the homes and livelihood base for several million people. Working toward a cooperative solution, the chapters explore the possibilities of involving local communities in wildlife conservation efforts by evolving mechanisms for joint or participatory management of protected areas. Both the principles of participatory management and a number of specific proposals are examined. The first book-length study to discuss the sociopolitical aspects of conservation in India and outline an important and concrete method for resolving conflicts between indigenous communities and conservationists, People and Protected Areas provides essential reading for ecologists, environmentalists, and all those engaged with conserving India′s wildlife and biodiversity.