ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the implications of treating people as an integral part of ecosystems. Two main areas are examined: indigenous environmental knowledge and management; and the mostly agricultural issues relating to developing countries. Romantic and dualistic depictions of traditional land use are critiqued. While the prime attachments to land are local ones, larger-scale issues play an increasing role in processes of environmental change in these areas. Examples used include relationships between indigenous and scientific knowledge systems, traditional harvest, fire and legislation, agricultural land adjacent to protected areas, and sacred groves.
