Linking Nature, Culture, and Community: Leadership of Protected Areas in Sustainable Conservation
Author:
Mitchell, Nora
Across North America, there is a wide diversity of landscapes that have important natural ecosystems and, as is now widely recognized, many of these places have been influenced by the interaction of people and nature over time. This interaction has shaped social perceptions of the environment, cultural beliefs and traditions, and community connections to place. Protecting these places requires a conservation approach that recognizes a range of natural and cultural values and engages many people and institutions in crafting a collaborative strategy for the future.
This opening keynote presentation from the 2009 Parks Conference hosted by Alberta Recreation and Parks Association examines recent innovations and lessons learned in collaborative conservation through a series of case studies drawn from the Conservation Study Institute’s work across the U.S. National Park System. Recent interest in landscape scale conservation is used to explore the interface of nature and culture, the interests of local communities within a region, and Protected Area manager’s ability to lead and work effectively in partnerships across boundaries.
Publication Date:
2009
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