Overcoming the Nature-Culture Dualism? Notions of Nature and Nature Protection in Model Regions for Integrated “Nature Conservation“

Responsible for the postdoc project: Dr. Urs Müller
Funded by: URPP Asia and Europe
Project duration: September 2007 – July 2009
Entangled Histories

Unesco Biosphäre Entlebuch, Schweiz (Bild: UBE) – Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, Nepal (Bild: U. Müller)

Abstract

This post-doc research project examined and linked two innovative conservation projects that attempt to reconcile conservation and livelihood interests in protected areas: the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area in Nepal and the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, Switzerland. The project ended mid-2009. Actors’ notions of nature, nature protection, and sustainable development were analysed in order to bring out if and how the so-called model regions deal with the dichotomies characteristic of modernity, in particular the separation of nature and culture. The aim was to understand the subtle differences that turn the balance between success and failure in achieving a holistic sustainable development.

Detailed Project Description (PDF, 48 KB)