The Nature State: Rethinking the History of Conservation

Synopsis

This volume brings together case studies from around the globe (including China, Latin America, the Philippines, Namibia, India and Europe) to explore the history of nature conservation in the twentieth century. It seeks to highlight the state, a central actor in these efforts, which is often taken for granted, and establishes a novel concept - the nature state - as a means for exploring the historical formation of that portion of the state dedicated to managing and protecting nature.

Following the Industrial Revolution and post-war exponential increase in human population and consumption, conservation in myriad forms has been one particularly visible way in which the government and its agencies have tried to control, manage or produce nature for reasons other than raw exploitation. Using an interdisciplinary approach and including case studies from across the globe, this edited collection brings together geographers, sociologists, anthropologists and historians in order to examine the degree to which sociopolitical regimes facilitate and shape the emergence and development of nature states.

This innovative work marks an early intervention in the tentative turn towards the state in environmental history and will be of great interest to students and practitioners of environmental history, social anthropology and conservation studies.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Creation of the Nature State

This chapter explores the historical origins of the concept of a "nature state," arguing that it emerged during the 19th century as a way of justifying the preservation of wilderness areas. It argues that this concept was influenced by scientific and cultural developments of the time, including the rise of ecology and the development of a Romantic sensibility. For example, the preservation of the Great Lakes as a nature reserve began in the 19th century as a way of protecting the region's unique ecology and its scenic beauty.

Chapter 2: The Conservation Movement and the Nature State

This chapter examines the role of the conservation movement in promoting the idea of a nature state. It argues that the conservation movement helped to popularize the idea of wilderness preservation, and that it defined the nature state as a place where humans should not interfere. For example, the establishment of national parks such as Yellowstone and Yosemite in the United States was based on the idea that these areas should be preserved in their natural state.

Chapter 3: The Nature State and the Environmental Movement

This chapter explores the relationship between the nature state and the environmental movement. It argues that the environmental movement has challenged the idea of a pristine nature state, emphasizing instead the interconnectedness of nature and human society. For example, the recognition that climate change is a product of human activities has led to a reassessment of the idea that nature is separate from human influence.

Chapter 4: The Future of the Nature State

This chapter considers the future of the nature state in the 21st century. It argues that the concept is facing challenges from a variety of sources, including climate change, globalization, and population growth. It suggests that we need to rethink our relationship with nature, and that we need to find ways to protect the nature state while also allowing for human development. For example, efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation aim to balance the preservation of natural ecosystems with the need for food production and economic growth.

In conclusion, The Nature State: Rethinking the History of Conservation provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the historical and cultural origins of the concept of a nature state. It argues that this concept is a product of specific historical circumstances, and that it is facing new challenges in the 21st century. The book offers a timely and important contribution to the field of conservation history, and it will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone else interested in the future of our relationship with nature.