Human Dimensions of Ecological Restoration

When it comes to implementing successful ecological restoration projects, the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions are often as important as-and sometimes more important than-technical or biophysical knowledge.
Human Dimensions of Ecological Restoration takes an interdisciplinary look at the myriad human aspects of ecological restoration. In twenty-six chapters written by experts from around the world, it provides practical and theoretical information, analysis, models, and guidelines for optimizing human involvement in restoration projects. Six categories of social activities are examined:
• collaboration between land manager and stakeholders
• ecological economics
• volunteerism and community-based restoration
• environmental education
• ecocultural and artistic practices
• policy and politics
For each category, the book offers an introductory theoretical chapter followed by multiple case studies, each of which focuses on a particular aspect of the category and provides a perspective from within a unique social/political/cultural setting.
Human Dimensions of Ecological Restoration delves into the often-neglected aspects of ecological restoration that ultimately make the difference between projects that are successfully executed and maintained with the support of informed, engaged citizens, and those that are unable to advance past the conceptual stage due to misunderstandings or apathy. The lessons contained will be valuable to restoration veterans and greenhorns alike, scholars and students in a range of fields, and individuals who care about restoring their local lands and waters.

"This was my introduction to ecological restoration and I was genuinely impressed by the number of disciplines, ways of thinking, and approaches that were integrated into one book." "...the editors have compiled a useful selection of papers that help readers appreciate what human dimensions are and how they might figure into an ecological restoration project. They also help readers appreciate that human dimensions might range from the relatively simple to the very complex." "This book is most appropriate for practitioners collecting the tools they will need to build resilience in social-ecological systems....Educators too can use the case studies to inform and inspire students outside the traditional classroom." "[T]he first book of its kind to provide a comprehensive overview of the ways in which people intersect with and ultimately determine the success of those efforts." "Egan, Hjerpe, and Abrams offer the most comprehensive treatment of the human dimensions of ecological restoration to date. From the sychological, social, and cultural aspects of restoration to political, economic, and educational issues, its chapters describe successful restoration in a world dominated by humans. This book will contribute to theory and application and belongs on the bookshelf of scholars, students, and practitioners alike."---Paul H. Gobster, Research Social Scientist, US Forest Service "By placing humans in nature at the center of restoration and focusing on the themes of participation, power, and perspective, Human Dimensions of Ecological Restoration provides a valuable contribution to furthering the restoration of our planet. This book offers useful insights for a broad range of professionals, including land managers, restoration practitioners, and nongovernmental organizations. Anyone teaching ecological restoration will find this work a valuable classroom reference."---Peter J. Daugherty, Acting Private Forest Divisions Chief, Oregon Department of Forestry "Egan and his coeditors provide the first comprehensive attempt to apply social science concepts and analyses to the challenges of ecological restoration and to illustrate them with practical, illuminating case studies. Their multiperspectival approach-value-laden, context-driven, complex, and demanding attention to the interaction of classic social forc