ABSTRACT

This chapter illustrates the difficulties of translating what is essentially a form of fact-based, scientific and applied knowledge of biophysical processes into a political project. It analyses protected areas – areas set aside for purposes linked to nature conservation – as spatial entities constructed discursively by an evolving set of arguments and assumptions. The chapter argues that the changes within the 'protected area movement' since the end of the 19th Century can be better understood as changes in the conception of the boundaries to such areas. It examines the emergence of the concept of transboundary planning for protected areas and end with a discussion of some of the critical voices questioning the idea that such areas are overwhelmingly beneficial. Yet protected areas are spatial models constructed out of the struggle of people and organisations which remain overwhelmingly professionally separated along the nature/culture divide.