Last Stand
Price:
$150.00 (04)Description
During the past century, tropical rain forests have been reduced to about half of their original area, with a consequent loss of biodiversity. This book takes a close look at how this has happened and what the consequences may be, with am emphasis on those strategies that have proven successful in stemming the loss of plant and animal inhabitants. It describes the use of protected areas such as sacred groves, royal preserves, and today's national parks, which have long served to shield the delicate forest habitats for countless species. Although programs for protecting habitats are under increasing attack, this book argues that a system of protected areas must in fact be the cornerstone of all conservation strategies aimed at limiting the inevitable reduction of our planet's biodiversity. Written by leading experts with years of experience, the book integrates ecological, economic and political perspectives on how best to manage tropical forests and their inhabitants, throughout the world. In addition to conservationists, policy makers, and ecologists, the book will serve as a useful text in courses on tropical conservation.Reviews
"An excellent summary of the status of conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and tropical forests. It contains particularly good discussions about traditional park preservation concepts and methods, and alternative concepts focused on sustainability and economic development, with the conclusion that protected parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and other areas remain an essential cornerstone of tropical forest and biodiversity conservation. . .Highly recommended."--Wildlife Activist
"This book is a well-researched overview of the current status of the tropical rainforest ecosystem and its chance of survival beyond the next century of anthopogenic impact. The chapters are well written and provide an excellent catalog of various conservation efforts worldwide; many examples provide important illustrations of how human nature can confound theoretically sound protection programs....Overall, a readable and informative work."--Choice
"Last Stand is the latest installment in a century-old debate between the philosophies of preservation and conservation. . . . [T]his book calls for a refreshing new brand of preservationism . . . one with ample allowance for political realities, local participation, and economic development. . . . The contributing authors are leading voices in international conservation, representing fields ranging from ecology and political science to economics and development sociology. . . . The book is well written and breaks considerable new ground . . . [It] provides a much needed wake-up call for the conservation community. . . . It shows that high levels of interest in biodiversity have not sufficiently translated into real protection. . . . [T]he book's main message is crystal clear--a system of large and well protected parks must still be the cornerstone of all conservation strategies aimed at limiting the inevitable reduction of the planet's biodiversity."--Conservation Biology
About the Author(s)
Edited by Randall Kramer, Associate Professor at the School of the Environment , Carel van Schaik, Professor in the Department of Biological Anthropology and Anatomy , and Julie Johnson, Assistant Professor at the School of the Environment, all at Duke University
