REFERENCE: Manuel-Navarrete, D, Dolderman, D., Kay, J., "Ecological Integrity: Linking Biology With Cultural Tranformation" under review

Ecological Integrity: Linking Biology With Cultural Tranformation

Manuel-Navarrete, D, Dolderman, D., Kay, J.

A review of the literature on ecological integrity has lead us to identify four different approaches: (1) Wilderness-Normative, (2) Systemic-Normative, (3) Ecosystemic-Pluralistic, and (4) Transpersonal-Collaborative. Each of these approaches to ecological integrity is based upon different perspectives of the human-nature relationship. These approaches differ in (1) the degree to which EI is determined as an objective, technical, purely "scientific" exercise versus a more subjective, value-driven, discussion involving all of society, (2) the scientific formalisms used, from purely quantitative reductionistic science to narrative descriptions based on complex systems theory, and (3) the assumptions regarding human-ecosystem relationships, from being apart from ecosystems to being a part. The Transpersonal-Collaborative Approach differs from the others in that it embraces the construction of personal meanings for EI. Each of the four approaches emphasizes different beliefs and worldviews, which, in turn, promote specific social practices and, consequently, influence the way individuals engage in the world.

As this paper is in the review process it is not available on my WWW site. However if you would like a copy of the draft, please send me an e-mail and I will send you a single copy for your personal use.

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