Books by Bas Verschuuren
Cultural and spiritual bonds with ‘nature’ are among the strongest motivators for nature conserva... more Cultural and spiritual bonds with ‘nature’ are among the strongest motivators for nature conservation; yet they are seldom taken into account in the governance and management of protected and conserved areas. The starting point of this book is that to be sustainable, effective, and equitable, approaches to the management and governance of these areas need to engage with people’s deeply held cultural, spiritual, personal, and community values, alongside inspiring action to conserve biological, geological, and cultural diversity.
Since protected area management and governance have traditionally been based on scientific research, a combination of science and spirituality can engage and empower a variety of stakeholders from different cultural and religious backgrounds. As evidenced in this volume, stakeholders range from indigenous peoples and local communities to those following mainstream religions and those representing the wider public. The authors argue that the scope of protected area management and governance needs to be extended to acknowledge the rights, responsibilities, obligations, and aspirations of stakeholder groups and to recognise the cultural and spiritual significance that ‘nature’ holds for people.
The book also has direct practical applications. These follow the IUCN Best Practice Guidelines for protected and conserved area managers and present a wide range of case studies from around the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas.
Nature conservation planning tends to be driven by models based on Western norms and science, but... more Nature conservation planning tends to be driven by models based on Western norms and science, but these may not represent the cultural, philosophical and religious contexts of much of Asia. This book provides a new perspective on the topic of sacred natural sites and cultural heritage by linking Asian cultures, religions and worldviews with contemporary conservation practices and approaches.
The chapters focus on the modern significance of sacred natural sites in Asian protected areas with reference, where appropriate, to an Asian philosophy of protected areas. Drawn from over 20 different countries, the book covers examples of sacred natural sites from all of IUCN’s protected area categories and governance types. The authors demonstrate the challenges faced to maintain culture and support spiritual and religious governance and management structures in the face of strong modernisation across Asia.
The book shows how sacred natural sites contribute to defining new, more sustainable and more equitable forms of protected areas and conservation that reflect the worldviews and beliefs of their respective cultures and religions. The book contributes to a paradigm-shift in conservation and protected areas as it advocates for greater recognition of culture and spirituality through the adoption of biocultural conservation approaches.
There is a growing recognition that living well must go beyond economic and material plenty to en... more There is a growing recognition that living well must go beyond economic and material plenty to encompass social and spiritual well-being. But what do we understand by these wider aspects of well-being? Community Well-being in Biocultural Landscapes: Are We Living Well? provides an introduction to the concept of human well-being as it relates to international rural development and conservation policy and practice. It demonstrates that well-being is understood and managed in a variety of ways in different cultures but also across the geographical scales at which decision-making processes take place, from the local, to regional, national and international scales. Using case studies and examples from a number of institutions the book presents different approaches to well-being measurement and provides valuable reflections on the applicability of these experiences. This book shows how community well-being can be measured using indicators chosen by local people to reflect the worldviews of their culture. Deriving such indicators can be a lengthy process, but the results are typically locally owned and recognized. When assessing well-being between different communities, a quicker approach that relies more on uniform indicators is often needed – and some loss of local diversity is to be expected. This book discusses how both approaches may go hand-in-hand and provides a unifying approach that is flexible enough to be used by conservation and rural development workers. This book is important reading for the staff of international aid and conservation agencies, for students of international development and those exploring concepts of well-being.
Chapter by Bas Verschuuren
Values in Heritage Management: Emerging Approaches and Research Directions., 2019
New directions in natural heritage conservation acknowledge conflicting relationships between soc... more New directions in natural heritage conservation acknowledge conflicting relationships between societies and their environments, and seek to respond to impending global crises due to overconsumption of resources, climate change, and biodiversity extinction. Methodological changes include advancing more holistic, natural-cultural approaches; recognizing the role of governance in successful management strategies; integrating scientific and traditional knowledge in valuation processes through engagement with Indigenous peoples and local communities; and promoting rights-based approaches. These shifts have significantly influenced the work of international bodies, and thereby helped to institute values-based policies that constitute a radically new context for conceiving, evaluating, and prioritizing heritage conservation.
Forward Together: A Culture-Nature Journey Towards More Effective Conservation in a Changing World, 2019
This chapter discusses the diversity of concepts and values of ‘nature’. It provides a background... more This chapter discusses the diversity of concepts and values of ‘nature’. It provides a background to the Western Enlightenment construct of ‘nature’ and examines the ways in which this world- view has historically shaped the designation, management, and governance of protected areas— with particular reference to the perspectives and work of the IUCN. We also consider why a Western concept of nature as separate or contrary continues to be applied, but equally the ways in which diverse worldviews—expressed in language and religion, for example—are re-shaping conservation practice. We conclude by discussing the opportunities and challenges that recognising and integrating diverse concepts and values of nature has for the conservation community.
Protected areas and the 'deeply seated bond' In the introduction to this edited volume, we argued... more Protected areas and the 'deeply seated bond' In the introduction to this edited volume, we argued that the 'cultural and spiritual significance of nature' is among the most compelling drivers of people's motivations to engage with, protect, and conserve the natural environment. By 'cultural and spiritual significance of nature', we mean the inspirational, spiritual, cultural, aesthetic, historic, and social meanings, values, ideas, and associations that natural features and their settings hold or evoke—as applied to attributes ranging from flora and fauna, to mountains and rivers, to landscapes and seascapes, and to the night skies. We use the word 'significance' rather than 'values' because significance references the totality of values ascribed to a place. Significance also serves to emphasise the inclusion of knowledge and meaning as well as feelings and values—an important point that can make the concept applicable and acceptable as something essential to managing and governing protected and conserved areas effectively, inclusively, and with a commitment to social justice. In keeping with the 18th-century explorer Alexander von Humboldt's concept of the 'deeply seated bond' between humans and nature (Brown and Verschuuren, Chs. 1 and 11, this volume), the 'cultural and spiritual significance of nature' points to and can manifest in the relationships that people have and develop with the natural world and their local environments—both biodiverse and geodiverse. Matthew Zylstra (Ch. 3, this volume) unravels this deeply seated bond in terms of the ways in which significant experiences with the natural world can produce powerful emotional and intellectual connectedness with nature (Figure 20.1). In Zylstra's terms, 'meaningful nature experience' can promote a view of human existence that supports individual and collective bonding with protected areas and, more broadly, with the world at large. As such, and in line with Zylstra's research, we suggest that the deeply seated bond is universal to human experience and can apply to peoples of all cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Consequently, Humbolt's notion of a deeply seated bond
This chapter is focussed on our collaborative fieldwork at, experiences of, and thinking concerni... more This chapter is focussed on our collaborative fieldwork at, experiences of, and thinking concerning the Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai—a property inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. Our work explores ways in which nature and culture are inter- connected across this landscape and how the non-government organisations IUCN and ICOMOS can improve their collaborative working relationships, processes, and practices with regard to the World Heritage system. We consider the challenges for such collaborations and report on the opportunities that can arise from working together—including through the use of creative and diverse working vocabularies.
Throughout its chapters, ‘Asian Sacred Natural Sites, Philosophy and Practice on Protected Areas ... more Throughout its chapters, ‘Asian Sacred Natural Sites, Philosophy and Practice on Protected Areas and Conservation’ has enquired to what extent the cultural, spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of sacred natural sites form the backbone of protected areas in Asia. Although it is clear that across Asia many protected areas have been established on ancient sacred natural sites their role in the conservation of biological and cultural diversity is often not explicitly recognised. In most instances it is clear that sacred natural sites make a critical contribution to protected areas and conservation. Several authors show that compliance with traditional rules and regulations centred within sacred natural sites is stronger and more effective than compliance with national law. In other cases, however, the governance of sacred natural sites by indigenous and religious custodians is obstructed through incompatible policy frameworks and inadequate planning that fails to take these sites into account.
General introduction This book sheds light on how ancient philosophies and practices related to s... more General introduction This book sheds light on how ancient philosophies and practices related to sacred natural sites are relevant to conventional protected areas and conservation in Asia today. In doing so it contributes to the field of conservation practice and interdisciplinary research on sacred natural sites that draws from the social and natural sciences.
There is growing recognition that sacred natural sites (SNS) form hotspots of biocultural diversi... more There is growing recognition that sacred natural sites (SNS) form hotspots of biocultural diversity and significantly contribute to conservation in traditional non-western societies. Using empirical evidence from SNS in Central Italy, we illustrate how a similar link between spiritual, cultural, and biological values can be fundamental also in relatively secular and modernized European contexts. We show that SNS are key to sustaining traditional practices and local identities, and represent important instances of biodiversity-rich cultural landscapes. Based on other case studies from across Europe, we suggest that these conclusions can be relevant also at a broader European scale. Greater awareness from planners and policy-makers, however, is needed to safeguard and emphasize the role of European sacred sites as refugia for biocultural diversity. We review policy guidelines on SNS previously developed by International Union for the Conservation for Nature (IUCN) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and aimed at protected area managers and planners. We assess the applicability of these guidelines in European contexts, and complement them with findings and insight from Central Italy. We provide recommendations for guidelines that are suited to SNS related to mainstream faiths in Europe.
The contribution of biodiversity and ecosystem services to our health care needs is significant, ... more The contribution of biodiversity and ecosystem services to our health care needs is significant, both for the development of modern pharmaceuticals and for their uses in traditional medicine. Long before the rise of pharmaceutical development, societies have been drawing on their traditional knowledge, skills and customary practices, using various resources provided to them by nature to prevent, diagnose and treat health problems. Today, these practices continue to inform health-care delivery at the level of local communities in many places around the world. In socioecological contexts such as these, several resources used for food, cultural and spiritual purposes are also used as medicines. Traditional medicine practices provide more than health care to these communities; they are considered a way of life and are founded on endogenous strengths, including knowledge, skills and capabilities.
Protected Area Governance and Management, 2014
Earth’s seven billion people and their forebears have left, and are continuing to leave, a rich l... more Earth’s seven billion people and their forebears have left, and are continuing to leave, a rich legacy of their cultural activities, values and beliefs. This collective cultural heritage goes back hundreds of thousands of years and takes many forms, from an ancient stone flake to the remains of a city, to a song. It has resonance at all scales, from intensely personal, to the crux of a national identity, to an international icon.
The existence of protected areas is a cultural legacy in itself. Gazettal of America’s Yellowstone National Park in 1872 formalised recognition of protected areas, but for thousands of years before this, humans protected natural places of high cultural value. Although not consciously identified for what Western science calls their biodiversity, these ancient places demonstrate that protected areas are not just the hallmark of modern society and complex government schemes.
Community Wellbeing in Biocultural Landscapes, Are We Living Well?, Mar 3, 2014
This chapter tells the story of well-being in the Forikrom community through its search for conse... more This chapter tells the story of well-being in the Forikrom community through its search for conservation and revitalization of sacred caves as part of the development of an ecotourism and environmental restoration project. The community applies the endogenous development approach and is supported by the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD), a Ghanaian NGO. The focus of the chapter is to demonstrate that different well-being assessment approaches and methods have been applied and how these helped both the community and the NGO to a better understanding of the changes in community well-being before and after the development projects.
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Books by Bas Verschuuren
Since protected area management and governance have traditionally been based on scientific research, a combination of science and spirituality can engage and empower a variety of stakeholders from different cultural and religious backgrounds. As evidenced in this volume, stakeholders range from indigenous peoples and local communities to those following mainstream religions and those representing the wider public. The authors argue that the scope of protected area management and governance needs to be extended to acknowledge the rights, responsibilities, obligations, and aspirations of stakeholder groups and to recognise the cultural and spiritual significance that ‘nature’ holds for people.
The book also has direct practical applications. These follow the IUCN Best Practice Guidelines for protected and conserved area managers and present a wide range of case studies from around the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas.
The chapters focus on the modern significance of sacred natural sites in Asian protected areas with reference, where appropriate, to an Asian philosophy of protected areas. Drawn from over 20 different countries, the book covers examples of sacred natural sites from all of IUCN’s protected area categories and governance types. The authors demonstrate the challenges faced to maintain culture and support spiritual and religious governance and management structures in the face of strong modernisation across Asia.
The book shows how sacred natural sites contribute to defining new, more sustainable and more equitable forms of protected areas and conservation that reflect the worldviews and beliefs of their respective cultures and religions. The book contributes to a paradigm-shift in conservation and protected areas as it advocates for greater recognition of culture and spirituality through the adoption of biocultural conservation approaches.
Chapter by Bas Verschuuren
The existence of protected areas is a cultural legacy in itself. Gazettal of America’s Yellowstone National Park in 1872 formalised recognition of protected areas, but for thousands of years before this, humans protected natural places of high cultural value. Although not consciously identified for what Western science calls their biodiversity, these ancient places demonstrate that protected areas are not just the hallmark of modern society and complex government schemes.
Since protected area management and governance have traditionally been based on scientific research, a combination of science and spirituality can engage and empower a variety of stakeholders from different cultural and religious backgrounds. As evidenced in this volume, stakeholders range from indigenous peoples and local communities to those following mainstream religions and those representing the wider public. The authors argue that the scope of protected area management and governance needs to be extended to acknowledge the rights, responsibilities, obligations, and aspirations of stakeholder groups and to recognise the cultural and spiritual significance that ‘nature’ holds for people.
The book also has direct practical applications. These follow the IUCN Best Practice Guidelines for protected and conserved area managers and present a wide range of case studies from around the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas.
The chapters focus on the modern significance of sacred natural sites in Asian protected areas with reference, where appropriate, to an Asian philosophy of protected areas. Drawn from over 20 different countries, the book covers examples of sacred natural sites from all of IUCN’s protected area categories and governance types. The authors demonstrate the challenges faced to maintain culture and support spiritual and religious governance and management structures in the face of strong modernisation across Asia.
The book shows how sacred natural sites contribute to defining new, more sustainable and more equitable forms of protected areas and conservation that reflect the worldviews and beliefs of their respective cultures and religions. The book contributes to a paradigm-shift in conservation and protected areas as it advocates for greater recognition of culture and spirituality through the adoption of biocultural conservation approaches.
The existence of protected areas is a cultural legacy in itself. Gazettal of America’s Yellowstone National Park in 1872 formalised recognition of protected areas, but for thousands of years before this, humans protected natural places of high cultural value. Although not consciously identified for what Western science calls their biodiversity, these ancient places demonstrate that protected areas are not just the hallmark of modern society and complex government schemes.
seed-blessing ceremony of indigenous Quechua communities in southern Peru is described as
an example of communities searching for well-being and as an example of a different paradigm or worldview. Subsequently, different measures of developmental progress are presented as well as the quest for a broader understanding of well-being in the context of current crises. Survey based and participatory approaches for assessing well-being are discussed and the conclusion of the chapter argues for assessment of community well-being at landscape level.