Emerging Trends, Sustainable Futures?

Editors : Barbara Rose Johnston (Editor-in-Chief), Lisa Hiwasaki, Irene J. Klaver, Marcus Barber, Ameyali Ramos Castillo, Daniel Niles and Veronica Strang
Published year : 2012
Published by : UNESCO and Springer SBM

Summary

A product of the UNESCO-IHP (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – International Hydrological Program) project on Water and Cultural Diversity, this book examines the complex role water plays as a force in sustaining, maintaining, and threatening the viability of culturally diverse peoples. It is argued that water is a fundamental human need, a human right, and a core sustaining element in biodiversity and cultural diversity. The core concepts utilized in this book draw upon a larger trend in sustainability science, a recognition of the synergism and analytical potential in utilizing a coupled biological and social system analysis, as the functioning viability of nature is both sustained and threatened by humans. The book offers an array of ideas, concepts, and tools to understand and manage the sociocultural implications of the growing water crisis, and suggests alternative pathways to sustainability.

The book consists of five parts. Part I explores water’s fundamental place in life, flowing through all organic processes, shaping all of the earth’s environments, and coursing through humanity’s traditions, values, meanings, politics, economics, art and engineering – i.e., culture in its broadest sense. Part II considers the “culture of water” through an explicit focus on traditional ecological knowledge and water resource management: approaches that have historically served to sustain the lifeways of indigenous groups and ethnic minorities. Part III examines current patterns of water resource management in various ecoregions and geopolitical contexts. Part IV considers the changing and possible future dynamics of intersections between water, biodiversity, and cultural diversity, with a critical focus on the lessons learned from the past several decades of hydrodevelopment. Part V sketches out alternative scenarios for the future, arguing that a sustainable approach to water resource development must, first and foremost, be one that sustains the cultural and biological diversity of life.

This 560 page full-color book includes essays and case-study contributions from social scientists, ecologists, civil engineers, environmental and human rights activists, and indigenous community leaders from around the globe. Childrens art is also featured, the result of a UNESCO call for contributions. Published jointly by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Office in Jakarta and Springer SBM in 2012, it was produced through a partnership between UNESCO-IHP, Center for Political Ecology, and United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies Traditional Knowledge Initiative.

Hardcopy and paperback versions are available through Springer

To access the free ebook version, CLICK HERE (PDF high resolution 12 MB)