Nature and Nation explores the relations between people and forests in Peninsular Malaysia where the planet's richest terrestrial eco-system met head-on with the fastest pace of economic transformation experienced in the tropical world. It engages the interplay of history, culture, science, economics and politics to provide a holistic interpretation of the continuing relevance of forests to state and society in the moist tropics. Malaysia has long been singled out for emulation by developing nations, an accolade contradicted in recent years by concerns over its capital-, rather than poverty-driven forest depletion. The Malaysian case supports the call for re-appraisal of entrenched prescriptions for development that go beyond material needs. -- Book cover.

Watersheds have been widely recognized as the best scale at which to govern water. At the geographic scale of the watersheds, stakeholders are able to make decisions on how to manage water resources in a setting more conducive to participation. Through coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources, economic and social welfare can be optimized without compromising sustainability of vital environmental systems. Sungai Selangor is an important water resource for the state of Selangor. It is the major contributor in meeting water demand to the Selangor State and Kuala Lumpur. Since early days, Sungai Selangor has played a central role in the development of settlements in northern Selangor. Theresearch described here is an attempt to understand the development forces operating in the Sungai Selangor watershed. The approach taken is intentionally multi-disciplinary, as it attempts to paint a broad brush picture of the current situation within the Sungai Selangor watershed. Increasing pressures on land development is a major factor that causes land use conflicts in the watershed. Spatial-environmental governance should improve collaboration and connections between citizens and decision-makers at the watershed scale. Many issues within the economic, social or environmental realm necessitate an understanding of the spatial context within which such forces operate. The book is organized in ten chapters, each chapter being devoted towards addressing particular issues considered prevalent or outstanding within the community living within the watershed. Although the book has been written in an academic manner, it should also appeal to the general public and students in higher education institutions as it relates to topical issues. Beginner researchers may find that the discussion of various issues within a location-specific context might spark off their interest to begin their own research on particular aspects that appeal to their own area of expertise.