Monastery for the Ibex: Conservation, State, and the Conflict of the Gran Paradiso, 1919-1949

Gran Paradiso National Park is Italy's oldest and was instrumental in preventing the extinction of the Alpine ibex between World War I and just after World War II. Wilko Graf von Hardenberg's book explores the park as an institution, the conflicts it triggered, and the practices adopted to manage the ibex despite hurdles placed by the fascist regime. The central argument is that preservation in fascist Italy was a product of the regimes continuities with the previous liberal system, despite the total fascist transformation that unmade the early successes of preservation. Conservationists succeeded in preserving the ibex, positioning this success within the broader history of science, conservation, and tourism in fascist Italy and the Alpine region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Gran Paradiso National Park, nestled in the majestic Alps of Italy, holds a remarkable place in history. It stands as the country's oldest national park and played a pivotal role in preventing the extinction of the Alpine ibex during the tumultuous times between World War I and just after World War II. Today, the Alpine region is home to over 30,000 ibex, all descendants of the last colony protected under Mussolini's rule. In his book, Wilko Graf von Hardenberg weaves a captivating narrative that intertwines the history of conservation with the social, political, and larger historical context of Italy. Through his meticulous research, he presents a multifaceted account of the park as an institution, the conflicts it sparked, and the innovative practices employed to manage the ibex amidst the challenges posed by the fascist regime.

At the heart of Hardenberg's argument is the notion that preservation in fascist Italy was not merely a matter of propaganda but rather a product of the regime's continuities with the previous liberal system. Despite the total fascist transformation that took place over a decade after Mussolini's rise to power, the early successes of preservation established by the nascent "nature state" in the early years of the regime were virtually undone. However, against all odds, conservationists managed to preserve the ibex. Hardenberg situates this remarkable success within the broader context of science, conservation, and tourism in fascist Italy and the Alpine region. He provides a comprehensive historical background and comparative reference to ongoing debates about the role of nature conservation in general and in relation to the state and its agencies.

Gran Paradiso National Park serves as a testament to the resilience of nature and the determination of conservationists. It reminds us of the importance of protecting biodiversity and preserving natural heritage, even in the face of political and social challenges. Hardenberg's book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between conservation, politics, and society, and it contributes to our understanding of the complex history and ongoing debates surrounding nature conservation in Italy and beyond.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 162 x 238 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822946359