Beyond Green: Intersections of Ecology, Culture and Conservation

(Proposed as part of Bloomsbury’s Environment and Society series)

Editors: Dr. Rajkumar Bera and Dr. Sakti Sekhar Dash

Introduction

The concept of sustainability and conservation has traditionally been framed in terms of environmental protection and the safeguarding of natural ecosystems. However, as the global landscape shifts toward a more integrated and holistic understanding of the challenges faced by the planet, it is essential to recognize that ecological conservation cannot be seen in isolation from the cultural contexts that shape and are shaped by these environments. "Beyond Green: Intersections of Ecology, Culture, and Conservation" is an initiative that seeks to explore the interconnectedness of ecological preservation, cultural practices, and the conservation movement, aiming to foster a more inclusive and diverse approach to environmental protection.

Background and Rationale

Ecology, culture, and conservation are often treated as distinct fields of study and practice. While the green movement primarily focuses on biodiversity and ecosystem health, culture encompasses the diverse ways in which human societies relate to, interact with, and value their environments. The conservation movement, on the other hand, is sometimes criticized for focusing exclusively on scientific or policy-driven approaches, neglecting the rich cultural knowledge and values embedded in local communities' traditional practices.

In many regions of the world, indigenous peoples and local communities have long been stewards of the land, practicing sustainable management that balances human needs with ecological preservation. This traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) offers critical insights into the long-standing relationships between humans and nature, including practices such as agroforestry, water management, and conservation through spiritual beliefs.

As climate change and biodiversity loss continue to threaten ecosystems worldwide, understanding and incorporating cultural perspectives into conservation strategies is not only necessary but essential. By combining ecological science with cultural wisdom, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and human culture, creating a more holistic approach to conservation that respects both nature and local heritage.

Aim and Objectives:

"Beyond Green: Intersections of Ecology, Culture, and Conservation" aims to shift the conservation discourse towards a more inclusive, interdisciplinary framework that values the essential role of cultural perspectives in environmental protection. By recognizing and integrating the wisdom and practices of local communities and indigenous peoples, we can foster a more sustainable and equitable future for both people and the planet. This call is issued for a volume within the Bloomsbury's Environment and Society book series and the series editor, Douglas Vakoch has shared his interest in publishing this edited volume.

The primary objectives of this Call for Papers are:

• To explore the intersection of ecology, culture, and conservation: Examine how ecological practices and cultural traditions influence each other, and how these intersections can inform better conservation strategies.
• To promote indigenous and local knowledge systems: Highlight the value of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and its role in enhancing conservation efforts, recognizing the wisdom of indigenous communities and local cultures in managing natural resources sustainably.
• To foster cross-disciplinary collaboration: Encourage collaboration between ecologists, anthropologists, cultural historians, policymakers, and local communities to create more integrated, culturally sensitive, and effective conservation policies.
• To raise awareness and advocate for inclusive conservation approaches: Advocate for the integration of cultural considerations in global conservation efforts, ensuring that conservation practices respect and celebrate cultural diversity and local values.

Sub-themes and Topics of Interest

We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to the following themes:

• Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Its Role in Conservation: How indigenous and local knowledge can offer sustainable models for biodiversity conservation.
• Sacred Landscapes and Biodiversity: The role of sacred sites and cultural landscapes in the preservation of ecosystems.
• Cultural Practices and Biodiversity Conservation: How rituals, festivals, and community traditions help in maintaining ecological balance.
• Indigenous Rights and Conservation: The intersection of indigenous land rights and conservation practices.
• Cultural Adaptation to Climate Change: How traditional cultures adapt to climate shifts and the role they play in mitigating environmental degradation.
• Resilient Communities in the Face of Ecological Disruption: How cultural resilience can contribute to climate change adaptation strategies.
• Cultural Approaches to Ecological Restoration: Indigenous and local community methods for restoring ecosystems in a changing climate.
• Conserving Intangible Cultural Heritage in Ecosystem Management: The preservation of language, folklore, and traditions as part of ecosystem management.
• Cultural Narratives and Environmental Stewardship: How myths, legends, and cultural narratives shape attitudes toward environmental stewardship.
• Cultural Approaches to Wildlife Management: The role of cultural taboos, hunting practices, and community-led wildlife management in conservation.
• Cultural Homogenization and Ecosystem Decline: The effects of globalization on local cultures and their ecological systems.
• Urbanization and Loss of Ecological Knowledge: The impact of urban growth on cultural and ecological practices, especially in rural communities.
• Land as Cultural Identity: The connection between land and cultural identity, and how ecological conservation efforts can respect this bond.
• Environmental Ethics in Literature: Exploring how literary works address ethical questions surrounding conservation, animal rights, and the intrinsic value of nature.
• Nature as a Character in Literature: Examining how natural landscapes and ecosystems are personified or treated as characters in literature, reflecting their cultural significance and role in ecological preservation.
• Storytelling and Ecological Knowledge: The role of oral traditions, myths, and indigenous stories in passing down ecological wisdom and cultural values related to environmental conservation.
• Literature of Indigenous Resistance: How literature by indigenous authors challenges colonial narratives and promotes indigenous perspectives on land, culture, and conservation.
• Sacred Geographies in Literature: How indigenous sacred places are depicted in literary works and how these locations symbolize cultural and ecological importance.
• The Global South and Environmental Narratives: Focusing on how writers from the Global South depict the intersection of environmental issues, culture, and the impacts of global capitalism on ecosystems
• Landscape and Cultural Expression: How literary depictions of landscapes convey cultural meanings and ecological significance, influencing how communities relate to their natural surroundings.
• Animal Symbolism in Folklore: Exploring the symbolic roles animals play in literature and how their conservation is often tied to cultural values and narratives.
• Spiritual Ecology in Literature: The depiction of nature as sacred in cultural stories and how these spiritual values are reflected in conservation practices and ecological protection.

About the Editors:

Dr. Rajkumar Bera is presently working as an assistant professor of English at Midnapore City College, affiliated to Vidyasagar University, West Bengal. He has taught at different institutions such as Ravenshaw University in Odisha, K.D. College of Commerce and General Studies and Midnapore College under Vidyasagar University, West Bengal. His areas of interests are Indian Writings in English, Diasporic Literature, Literary Theory and Criticism, Environmental Studies and New Literatures. He has published many national and international articles and book chapters in different reputed journals and edited volumes. He is now working as a PhD supervisor at the same institution.

Dr. Sakti Sekhar Dash is a Fellow of Social Science Research Council, Open Association of Research Society, USA. He holds a PhD from Ravenshaw University, India. He has a keen interest in studying the myths, legends and folklore of different cultures. An experienced educator and honorary member of Illinois Medieval Association, he has served as the editor-in-chief of an international peer-reviewed journal. He has extensively written and published on a diverse range of topics, including, modernism, Greek drama, environmental studies, Theatre of the Absurd, and Shakespearean drama. His writings have featured in edited volumes published by reputed publishing houses like Salem Press, Vernon Press and Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Submission Guidelines

Please send your abstracts (250 words) in addition to your brief biography (100 words) to the editors through email with the subject "Beyond Green: Intersections of Ecology, Culture and Conservation." Your abstract must include a tentative title of the chapter and five to seven keywords.

Email: cfp.beyondgreen@gmail.com

*Important: All chapters should have at least one author who has already completed a PhD.

Important Dates

Submission of Abstract: *Deadline Extended* 20 February, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: 05 March, 2025

The submission deadline for the full chapters is 15 October, 2025.

The chapters should be between 5000-6000 words, using the Chicago Manual of Style: author-date system.