Review: Forest Guardians, Forest Destroyers: The Politics of Environmental Knowledge in Northern Thailand by Tim Forsyth and Andrew Walker

摘要: Review: Forest Guardians, Destroyers: The Politics of Environmental Knowledge in Northern Thailand By Tim Forsyth and Andrew Walker Reviewed by Matthew J. Forss Forsyth, Walker, Andrew. Thailand. Seattle, WA: University Washington Press, 2008. 302 pp. ISBN: 978- 0-295-98822-1. US$25.00, paper. Printed on 90 percent recycled acid free paper from at least 50 post-consumer waste. Walker’s lifetime working northern certainly provides a more than cursory examination the political ecology region. This book does not, “…suggest that environmental problems do not exist or policy is unnecessary” (p. 3). However, chapters contain, “…a deeper analysis how why---and with whose influence--- are defined way they are” Essentially, incorporate well-defined arguments topics related to water supply, forest protection, biodiversity, agricultural mismanagement, ethnic conflict, policymaking. aforementioned also heavily cross-referenced nearly 400 sources used throughout book. An important aspect politics revolves around narratives. narratives are, “…simplified explanations cause effect emerge contexts where knowledge social order mutually dependent” 17). Yet, cautious point out, “…environmental frequently impose meanings acceptable their creators users, but which may contain unwelcome implications for other actors high levels simplification complex uncertain physical processes” Moreover, “…narrative framing evident common tendency debate bifurcate into two positions: upland farmers either destroyers guardians” 19). crux issue depends an overly-simplified view crises, rather realistic understanding role forests ecosystems. Throughout chapters, raise questions answer them providing comparative original research. multifarious nature picture past, present, future Another strength identification interconnectedness spatial temporal distribution groups (pa) lowland (muang) regions Hmong, Mien, Akha, Lahu, Lisu tend favor top 1,000 meters uplands, while Karen Lua inhabit middle Thai close sea level approximately 1,300 meters. essentially study ethnoecology, one warrants attention understand wider politics. reasons specific group locality elevation multifactoral complex. For instance, certain elevations based historical cultural traditions, endeavors, meteorological conditions, laws, interrelated conditions discussed Walker. What solution management Thailand? recognize difficulty reforming state bureaucracies resource land use. In fact, “…reforming overcome decades organizational heritage profound challenge, requiring careful campaigning, engagement elements within organizations self-critical, taking opportunities create alternative networks” 246). book, despite its depth, serves as introduction Thailand, “…until widespread reform government agencies can be achieved, challenging underlying add legitimacy policies regulatory interventions” Many studies accompanied numerous black-and-white photographs, tables, diagrams, charts allow easy-to-read material. addition, nine pages chapter notes included. Overall, inclusivity content beneficial researchers