Primary Environmental Care *

A large and growing number of case studies show how particular communities or groups of people recognize their dependence on natural resources and systems and act collectively to maintain their integrity and defend them (and their right to manage them) against outside encroachment. ¹ Many such case studies highlight the sophistication in such environmental management. There are also many case studies describing how the inhabitants of a particular settlement act collectively to improve their living environment or to limit or control particular environmental hazards in the home and neighbourhood. ² An increasing number of agencies involved in environmental or development issues have recognized this capacity of local groups to act collectively. They include local and national governments, international agencies and many national or local NGOs. Some recognize that this can form the basis for more effective development and environmental management than conventional, external-agency directed initiatives.