1st Edition
Savannas and Dry Forests Linking People with Nature
Parched landscapes, biodiversity loss, encroaching deserts and deforestation are some of the environmental crises taking place in tropical savannas and dry forests throughout the world. To date, much research into these regions has treated humans as 'outside' or as an 'impact' only. However, over and over again, examples show that, in fact, humans are not external factors, but integral components of these systems. Humans are key determinants of savannas and dry forests, affecting patterns and processes, as well as impacts on natural resources. Unless we understand the human-environment relationship in these regions, we will never truly identify the causes or be able to provide solutions. This book therefore focuses on the roles of the past, present and future human perceptions and actions on savannas and dry forests. It examines how the views of local farmers, NGO workers, government officials and international scientists differ on the links between the social and ecological components of savannas. It deals with these multiple perspectives by using systems diagramming and conceptual modelling to provide a clearer and more explicit understanding and to promote better communication between the various actors concerned.
Biography
Jay Mistry is a Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. Andrea Berardi is a Lecturer for the Open University, UK.
'Savannas and dry forests are immensely important biomes, which provide a very suitable environment in which to examine human-nature relationships - the core of Geography. An international team of contributors provides expert analyses of these relationships in the context of both the Americas and Africa. The book is a clever blend of case studies and general issues.' Andrew Goudie, St Cross College, University of Oxford, UK 'The book may in particular serve as a great resource for students as it includes many accessible and cutting-edge chapters on various dryland issues.' Human Ecology