Battles Over Nature: Science and the Politics of Conversation

by Vasant K. Saberwal, Mahesh Rangarajan

In this book, biologists, sociologists, historians and activists come together to search our solutions to the key problems of contemporary conversation practices. Much of the world's wildlife and biological diversity is located in less developed countries where there is intense competition for resources between people and wildlife. Focusing on India, but also exploring comparable situations in Africa, this book makes the case for a better exploration of this middle ground, and argues for the need to involve not just urban enthusiasts, scientists and foresters but also the villager. Contributors debate the exlclusionary aspects of Indian conservation even as they urge the need to look past romantic notion of egalitarian village republics that will cherish their forests.

412 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006