Proceedings of the Conference on Integrating Social Sciences & Ecosystem Management held in 1995. The overall purpose was to improve understanding, integration, & research applications of the human dimension of ecosystem management. The goals were to: (1) discuss the state of knowledge of social sciences relevant to ecosystem management, (2) discuss how to integrate this knowledge with ecosystem management (along with the physical & biological sciences), (3) develop a strategy to effectively integrate social sciences with ecosystem management, & (4) identify a research agenda to further knowledge in the area. Illustrated.

When it comes to implementing successful ecological restoration projects, the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions are often as important as-and sometimes more important than-technical or biophysical knowledge. Human Dimensions of Ecological Restoration takes an interdisciplinary look at the myriad human aspects of ecological restoration. In twenty-six chapters written by experts from around the world, it provides practical and theoretical information, analysis, models, and guidelines for optimizing human involvement in restoration projects. Six categories of social activities are examined: collaboration between land manager and stakeholders ecological economics volunteerism and community-based restoration environmental education ecocultural and artistic practices policy and politics For each category, the book offers an introductory theoretical chapter followed by multiple case studies, each of which focuses on a particular aspect of the category and provides a perspective from within a unique social/political/cultural setting. Human Dimensions of Ecological Restoration delves into the often-neglected aspects of ecological restoration that ultimately make the difference between projects that are successfully executed and maintained with the support of informed, engaged citizens, and those that are unable to advance past the conceptual stage due to misunderstandings or apathy. The lessons contained will be valuable to restoration veterans and greenhorns alike, scholars and students in a range of fields, and individuals who care about restoring their local lands and waters.

Environmental law envisions ecological systems as existing in an equilibrium state, reinforcing a rigid legal framework unable to absorb rapid environmental changes and innovations in sustainability. For the past four decades, "resilience theory," which embraces uncertainty and nonlinear dynamics in complex adaptive systems, has provided a robust, invaluable foundation for sound environmental management. Reforming American law to incorporate this knowledge is the key to sustainability. This volume features top legal and resilience scholars speaking on resilience theory and its legal applications to climate change, biodiversity, national parks, and water law.

In this book, several leading scientists representing a variety of key social sciences describing their discipline and provide guidance for applying the knowledge and method of that science. As contributors to this book, these scientists were asked to describe the subject matter of their disciplines and the kind of questions they typically address in their research. They provide lists of selected references for the reader who wants more information than can be provided in their short book chapters. A wide variety of theories, concepts, measures, data-collection methods, and spatial analysis approaches resides within each to the social science disciplines and authors cover. These include, for example, sociology, cultural anthropology, resource economics, and social psychology.

It is usually the case that scientists examine either ecological systems or social systems, yet the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the problems of environmental management and sustainable development is becoming increasingly obvious. Developed under the auspices of the Beijer Institute in Stockholm, this new book analyses social and ecological linkages in selected ecosystems using an international and interdisciplinary case study approach. The chapters provide detailed information on a variety of management practices for dealing with environmental change. Taken as a whole, the book will contribute to the greater understanding of essential social responses to changes in ecosystems, including the generation, accumulation and transmission of ecological knowledge, structure and dynamics of institutions, and the cultural values underlying these responses. A set of new (or rediscovered) principles for sustainable ecosystem management is also presented. Linking Social and Ecological Systems will be of value to natural and social scientists interested in sustainability.

Cornerstone of Development: Integrating environmental, social and economic policies