Civilizing Nature National Parks in Global Historical Perspective [Hardcover]

National parks are one of the most important and successful institutions in global environmentalism. Since their first designation in the United States in the 1860s and 1870s they have become a global phenomenon. The development of these ecological and political systems cannot be understood as a simple reaction to mounting environmental problems, nor can it be explained by the spread of environmental sensibilities. Shifting the focus from the usual emphasis on national parks in the United States, this volume adopts an historical and transnational perspective on the global geography of protected areas and its changes over time. It focuses especially on the actors, networks, mechanisms, arenas, and institutions responsible for the global spread of the national park and the associated utilization and mobilization of asymmetrical relationships of power and knowledge, contributing to scholarly discussions of globalization and the emergence of global environmental institutions and governance.

This book makes a unique contribution to the conservation literature by enhancing one's understanding and appreciation of the cultural meaning of nature conservation through the lens of national park development. [&] Highly recommended.? Choice

The book meets its aim of moving conservation scholarship in a new direction by providing analysis of the national (and not just the park) part of national parks.? The Public Historian

The essays inCivilizing Natureare generally very good in outlining and analyzing institutions, governments, and the roles of NGOs, scientists, and stakeholders within and regarding national parks around the globe.? Journal of Tourism History

This volume impresses with a well written, fascinating and remarkably multi-facetted story about one of the globally most successful nature conservation policies. It shows clearly that the future lÓ)