This volume considers the complexity of local-global interaction in environmental management; the focus is on understanding resource management as a socio-cultural concept. Interlinkages between resource base, supply, management and needs satisfaction are discussed from different perspectives and parts of the world to illustrate the impact of value systems, entitlement patterns, governance, the production of knowledge and norm systems, as well as the role of institutions and technology development in environmental management. The selected case studies show the central role of security in resource utilization. The potential for conflict stems not only from control of resources but also from different ways of thinking about the resource base and its proper use as a prerequisite of perceived social and environmental security; human relationship with the environment is never purely biologically based and rational. Socio-cultural systems encompass different perceptions of the environment, and influence the patterns and choices in its management. Concentration on local patterns of environmental security leads to the appearance of several definitions of security through varied situations in which people give meaning to their relationship to, and management of resources. Conflict is often generated from a collision of two or more different management systems, whether the emphasis is economic, cultural or value-related. The message of this book is to observe the urgent need to combine different perspectives in environmental management, both of different levels and of separate traditions and disciplines, as well as cultural and organizational experiences.

TiiaRiitta Granfelt