Political Landscapes: Forests, Conservation, and Community in Mexico (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780822358183)

Following the 1917 Mexican Revolution inhabitants of the states of Chihuahua and Michoac疣 received vast tracts of prime timberland as part of Mexico's land redistribution program. Although locals gained possession of the forests, the federal government retained management rights, which created conflict over subsequent decades among rural, often indigenous villages; government; and private timber companies about how best to manage the forests. Christopher R. Boyer examines this history in Political Landscapes, where he argues that the forests in Chihuahua and Michoac疣 became what he calls "political landscapes"-that is, geographies that become politicized by the interactions between opposing actors-through the effects of backroom deals, nepotism, and political negotiations. Understanding the historical dynamic of community forestry in Mexico is particularly critical for those interested in promoting community involvement in the use and conservation of forestlands around the world. Considering how rural and indigenous people have confronted, accepted, and modified the rationalizing projects of forest management foisted on them by a developmentalist state is crucial before community management is implemented elsewhere.

Author: Christopher R. Boyer
ISBN-10: 0822358182
ISBN-13: 9780822358183
Publisher: Duke University Press
Language: English
Published: 04/27/2015
Pages: 360
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 9.12h x 6.93w x 0.92d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 11/01/2015