Virtualism, Governance and Practice

Many people investigating the operation of large-scale environmentalist organizations see signs of power, knowledge and governance in their policies and projects. This collection indicates that such an analysis appears to be justified from one perspective, but not from another. The chapters in this collection show that the critics, concerned with the power of these organizations to impose their policies in different parts of the world, appear justified when we look at environmentalist visions and at organizational policies and programs. However, they are much less justified when we look at the practical operation of such organizations and their ability to generate and carry out projects intended to reshape the world.

Many people investigating the operation of large-scale environmentalist organizations see signs of power, knowledge and governance in their policies and projects. This collection indicates that such an analysis appears to be justified from one perspective, but not from another. The chapters in this collection show that the critics, concerned with the power of these organizations to impose their policies in different parts of the world, appear justified when we look at environmentalist visions and at organizational policies and programs. However, they are much less justified when we look at the practical operation of such organizations and their ability to generate and carry out projects intended to reshape the world.

List of Figures, Tables and Boxes
Preface
List of Abbreviations

Introduction
James G. Carrier and Paige West

Chapter 1. Virtualism and the Logic of Environmentalism
Vassos Argyrou

Chapter 2. New Nature: On the Production of a Paradox
Maarten Onneweer

Chapter 3. A Culture of Conservation: Shaping the Human Element in National Parks
Kathy Rettie

Chapter 4. A Bridge Too Far: The Knowledge Problem in the Millennium Assessment
Colin Filer

Chapter 5. Creolising Conservation: Caribbean Responses to Global Trends in Environmental Management
Tighe Geoghegan

Chapter 6. Uncivil Society: Local Stakeholders and Environmental Protection in Jamaica
Andrew Garner

Chapter 7. ‘The Report Was Written for Money to Come’: Constructing and Reconstructing the Case for Conservation in Papua New Guinea
Flip van Helden

Conclusion: Can the World Be Micromanaged?
Josiah McC. Heyman

Notes on Contributors
Index