Description

Over the last thirty years the meaning of the word 'wilderness' has changed and come under sustained attack. How has the term become so confused? What can be done to reduce this confusion? This book arose from the Ph.D. thesis 'The Wilderness Knot' (University of Western Sydney), and investigates the tangled meanings around 'wilderness'. This 'knot' is comprised of five strands; philosophical, political, cultural, justice and exploitation. 'Wilderness' as a term is in a unique philosophical position, being disliked by both modernists and many postmodernists alike. The research uses participatory action research with Aboriginal people and conservationists and wilderness journals. All scholars interviewed agreed that large natural intact areas ('lanais') should be protected, though some did not call them 'wilderness'. Confusion declines when one can show that people hold many ideas in common. 'Mind maps' are used to investigate the issues and to suggest ways forward to reduce confusion. The idea of shared 'custodianship' or stewardship is suggested as a way forward. This is a book for all those interested in saving and managing the Earth's remaining large natural areas or wilderness.