Nature Crime: How We're Getting Conservation Wrong

by Rosaleen Duffy

In this impressively researched, alarming book, Rosaleen Duffy investigates the world of nature conservation, arguing that the West’s attitude to endangered wildlife is shallow, self-contradictory, and ultimately very damaging. Analyzing the workings of the black-market wildlife industry, Duffy points out that illegal trading is often the direct result of Western consumer desires, from coltan for cellular phones to exotic meats sold in London street markets. She looks at the role of ecotourism, showing how Western travelers contribute—often unwittingly—to the destruction of natural environments. Most strikingly, she argues that the imperatives of Western-style conservation often result in serious injustice to local people, who are branded as “problems” and subject to severe restrictions on their way of life and even extrajudicial killings.

Genres: Nonfiction, Conservation, Nature, Environment, Science

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sue Tidwell]

This book will open your eyes quite a bit to "Nature Crime" as Rosalyn Duffy puts it. Often we THINK we are doing the right thing for conservation....but, in fact, we are actually hurting it. It also exposes the human factor of conservation, more specifically how often "well-intentioned" conservation ends up hurting the local human populations. It is a must-read for anyone who really cares about wildlife and wants a better understanding of the big picture of how conservation works...and its effect on local communities. The book truly helped me in my research for "Cries of the Savanna" and I include some information from in it one of the last chapters.

[Cassy Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliantly explained and researched. It is a bit heavy and on the technical side for the average reader, but for those inclined, this book is a top-notch investigation into the nitty-gritty of conservation crime. It covers multiple issues in multiple countries and has a wholistic viewpoint of most topics covered, often times playing devil's advocate as well. Beautifully and concisely written as well.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides excellent insights and critical analysis of what conservation groups and projects are getting wrong which doom many efforts that appear to be short-term or immediate success stories to failure over the long-term. If the conservation groups would incorporate these lessons into the design, implementation and management of their projects it is highly likely there would be more long-term success stories.

[Trishant Simlai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be depressing reading this! But well worth it nonetheless