Understanding Restoration Volunteering in a Context of Environmental Change: In Pursuit of Novel Ecosystems or Historical Analogues?

Authors:
Buizer, M., T. Kurz and K. Ruthrof

Publication Date:
2012

Abstract/Summary:
By focusing on (the politics of) knowledge, our approach draws attention to the relationship between volunteers and scientists engaged in ecological restoration. Volunteers are not only the workers whom scientists ask to carry out various activities without requiring much understanding or input and critical engagement. They also bring in different social values and are a source of local knowledge and insights. A critical political ecology perspective also argues that there is a need for “greater public participation in the formulation of environmental science” and that ecological science is no longer to be viewed as the singular and neutral source of information that informs policymakers.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Human Ecology

Link:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10745-011-9445-4