All life on Earth has the right to exist, but as we teeter on the verge of a sixth extinction this book discusses why biodiversity matters and why we should care if species go extinct.We are witnessing the largest and fastest rate of extinction in the history of the planet. While the concept of rights is a human one, all plants and animals strive to survive, and this book argues for their rights to continue doing so without being driven into premature extinction by human actions. A...

This book examines the concept of naturalness in ecosystems, discusses its values and considers choices about the level of naturalness in conservation efforts. The author argues that all ecosystems have been modified and the idea of places 'untouched by humans' is a myth. But there are large differences in the degree of modification and levels of naturalness which can be identified. Changes are not always irreversible; some apparent wilderness areas are sites of former civilizations. There...

This book provides the first contemporary assessment of area-based conservation and its implications for nature and society.Now covering 15 per cent of the land surface and a growing area of ocean, the creation of protected areas is one of the fastest conscious changes in land management in history. But this has come at a cost, including a backlash from human rights organisations about the social impacts of protected areas. At the same time, a range of new types of area-based conse...

Deforestation is frequently a topic of discussion in the environmental arena, but it is not just the number of trees that matters; the quality of the forest is also important. Even where the forest area is stable or increasing, there are often rapid changes in its character. Natural forests are being replaced by plantations or by intensively managed forests. Around the world, forests are becoming younger and less diverse, in both species and structure; this has important impacts for biodiv...

The world's forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, and with disastrous consequences. Demand for wood and paper products ranks high amongst the causes of deforestation and forest degradation, and is now the major cause of loss in those forests richest in wildlife. There is a great deal to be done to improve the timber industry before our forests are safely and sustainably managed.Bad Harvest presents an incisive account of the role that the timber trade has played in the loss...

This collection brings together five brilliant titles which recount the major events of World War II, from Dunkirk to the Nuremberg trials. With breakdowns of skilful military manoeuvres, chilling accounts of Nazi organisations and astounding details from the fall of Berlin, this collection chronicles the defeat of Germany and the Axis powers.These titles are:Great Battles of World War II by Michael DudleyThe D-Day Landings by Nigel Cawthorne

Taking into consideration the fact that many ecosystems are under-represented in protected areas of land and water and traditional management methods have often been ineffective, this volume describes how improvements can be made. Specifically, it explores ways of ensuring that all major ecosystems are safeguarded, and innovative approaches to conservation involving individuals, communities, companies and governments. The essence of the approach taken in the text is to build partnerships w...

Most protected areas (e.g.national parks and nature reserves) have been created to protect wildlife and land- and seascape values. They currently cover over 13% of the world's land surface, around 12% of marine coastal areas and 4% of the marine shelf. Retaining and expanding these areas in the future will depend on showing their wider benefits for society.This book provides a concise and persuasive overview of the values of protected areas. Contributing authors from over fifty cou...