Common Pool Nature in the Mekong Bioregion: Dialogues, Ethics, and Justice

This book explores the complex human-nature relationships in the Mekong bioregion, highlighting the challenges of inter-state cooperation and proposing the concept of common pool nature (CPN) to address resource conflicts and ensure human and ecological security. It advocates for the use of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary knowledge to transcend national politics and engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue for the Mekong bioregional project.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Within a vast and diverse bioregion, home to a multitude of ethnic groups and diverse political-economic state systems, this captivating work delves into the intricate web of human-nature interactions to unravel the complex political ecology and environmental history of the Mekong bioregion commons. By meticulously mapping the challenges of inter-state cooperation amidst an ecologically integrated yet fragmented and territorialized landscape, the book seeks to shed light on the intricate dynamics that shape this region.

Beyond the confines of neo-institutionalist frameworks that often prioritize the economic value of natural resources, the book introduces the concept of common pool nature (CPN). This innovative framework emphasizes the ethical dimensions and sacred foundations of the relationship between humans and nature, providing a fresh perspective on resource conflicts and their resolution. CPN unravels the complexities of mega-project decision-making, including the politics of knowledge and scale, as well as the disparities between state and ethnic justice systems, highlighting the need for environmental justice.

The authors argue that achieving human and ecological security in the Mekong bioregion requires a more effective utilization of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary knowledge, spanning formal planning mechanisms, scientific approaches, social science, local ecological knowledge, and indigenous ethical systems. Through the mediation of multi-cultural dialogues, this knowledge can be synthesized to foster sustainable human-nature relationships.

The book also explores the role of the software platform of environmental and social justice as a means to transcend national politics and gain insights into the environmental philosophy of sustainable human-nature relationships. By advocating for the engagement of stakeholders at all spatial scales, economic segments, and social hierarchs in meaningful dialogue, the book underscores the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in the ongoing Mekong bioregional project.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex human-nature relationships within the Mekong bioregion, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. By advocating for a holistic approach that incorporates diverse perspectives and knowledge systems, the book contributes to the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect this vital region for future generations.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415721943