Weaving a Network: Women's Crafts Cooperatives and Protected Area Managers

by Jennifer J. Wilhoit

This book outlines the key issues facing craftswomen in cooperatives and protected area managers, and proposes a plan for meeting their needs. My experience with a crafts cooperative situated on the edge of a protected forest in Rwanda is used to illustrate the concepts from the literature on protected areas management and coops. Chapter one sets the stage for the book; the second chapter describes the craftswomen¿s struggles. Chapter three discusses several programs designed to reduce conflicts between local people and park staff. The fourth chapter proposes and outlines the concept of a network to connect crafts cooperatives with park managers in a mutually beneficial relationship. The network has the potential to fill some of the remaining gaps in the efforts to minimize people - park conflicts. The final chapter, five, raises further areas for research and exploration. This book will be of interest and use to anybody concerned with the simultaneous protection of the natural world and local subsistence cultures.

64 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2009

About the author

Jennifer J. Wilhoit, PhD is a published author, spiritual ecologist, editor, mentor, consultant, researcher, educator, & peacemaker; she is also a longtime hospice/bereavement volunteer. Her books, articles, & blog (http://tealarborstories.blogspot.com) focus on the human/nature relationship—what she calls “the inner/outer landscape.” Jennifer founded TEALarbor stories (www.tealarborstories.com) through which she offers compassionate guidance through writing, nature, & life's difficult landscapes. In addition to her individual practice with clients, Jennifer also offers presentations, workshops, trainings, courses, & retreats. When she is not writing or working, Jennifer hikes, makes beauty in & photographs natural landscapes; reads; travels (internationally, as often as possible); & dabbles in creative arts. Jennifer thrives on the beautiful Pacific Northwest island where she lives.