Many people investigating the operation of large-scale environmentalist organizations see signs of power, knowledge and governance in their policies and projects. This collection indicates that such an analysis appears to be justified from one perspective, but not from another. The chapters in this collection show that the critics, concerned with the power of these organizations to impose their policies in different parts of the world, appear justified when we look at environmentalist visions and at organizational policies and programs. However, they are much less justified when we look at the practical operation of such organizations and their ability to generate and carry out projects intended to reshape the world.

James G. Carrier has taught and done research in Papua New Guinea, the United States and Great Britain. For the past decade he has studied the relationship among local fishers, conservationists and the tourism sector in Jamaica. He has published extensively on this research and on environmental protection generally.

List of Figures, Tables and Boxes
Preface
List of Abbreviations

Introduction
James G. Carrier andPaige West

Chapter 1. Virtualism and the Logic of Environmentalism
Vassos Argyrou

Chapter 2. New Nature: On the Production of a Paradox
Maarten Onneweer

Chapter 3. A Culture of Conservation: Shaping the Human Element in National Parks
Kathy Rettie

Chapter 4. A Bridge Too Far: The Knowledge Problem in the Millennium Assessment
Colin Filer

Chapter 5. Creolising Conservation: Caribbean Responses to Global Trends in Environmental Management
Tighe Geoghegan

Chapter 6. Uncivil Society: Local Stakeholders and Environmental Protection in Jamaica
Andrew Garner

Chapter 7. The Report Was Written for Money to Come: Constructing and Reconstructing the Case for Conservation in Papua New Guinea
Flip van Helden

Conclusion: Can the World Be Micromanaged?
Josiah McC. Heyman

Notes on Contributors
Index