August, 1999
In the International Perspectives of this IJW, Andrew Muir describes Imbewu and the Opinion Leader Programmes of the Wilderness Leadership School. Both of these programs are aimed to rekindle the bond between South Africans and their land, a bond alienated by policies of colonization and apartheid. Also in this issue, John Shultis reviews two books: “Wilderness by Design: Landscape Architecture & the National Park Service,” by Ethan Carr; and “Building the National Parks: Historic Landscape Design and Construction,” by Linda Flint McClelland.
Keith Kilbrun presents highlights from a Wilderness Therapy Conference at the University of Idaho in “Wilderness for Healing and Growing People.” And, Kenton Miller contributes to International Perspectives with commentary on the ecological services provided by wilderness and how these services support natural and human communities. He emphasizes that “For long-term survival, and therefore service to people and nature, these key sites (protected areas) need to be established and managed within a network of reserves connected by biodiversity-friendly corridors.”
WILD’s President, Vance Martin contributes a feature titled “The Trail Ahead” in this issue of the IJW. He calls upon readers to provide feedback and responses to their view of wilderness – especially with regard to the never-ending tightrope walk between the (perceived) needs of wild nature and the needs of humankind fulfilled by wild nature. Also in this issue, H. Ken Cordell and Jeff Teasley present the results from the USA National Survey on Recreation and Environment. One finding of the survey showed that in 1994-1995 almost 95% of the US population participated in some form of outdoor recreation.
Managing Editor Michelle S. Mazzola captures some adventures of the IJW executive editors in the wilderness. Quotes from Alan Watson, John Hendee and others tell the story of wilderness advocate who “walk the walk.” Kristi de Groot presents highlights from the First Latin American Congress on National Parks and Other Protected Areas. Cuban Protected Areas, held 21-28 May 2977 in Santa Marta, Columbia. Participants discussed issues including: International Guidelines for Land Designation and Management, Indigenous Groups within National Parks and Protected Areas and Community-Based Conservation.
Vance Martin presents the results of the 6th World Wilderness (Bangalore, India, 24-29 October 1998), under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Partha Sarathy of The WILD Foundation and Congress Executive Officer Mr. Krishnan Kutty of the National Outdoor Leadership School. Rob Cooley discusses how wilderness therapy can help troubled adolescents and Alan Watson explores sustainable financing of Parks and Protected Areas through user fees.
This issue of the IJW presents news about the 6th World Wilderness Congress, 18-25 October 1997 in India. John Hendee (managing editor) offers insight into this upcoming event – the first WWC to meet in a developing nation. A quiz by Kendall Clark and Susan Kozacek can tell you how your personal wilderness values rate, is fun and also proves extremely useful in wilderness management training sessions. Aaron R. Kelson and Robert J. Lilieholm present a scientific study of how activities on adjacent lands influence wilderness resources.