An activist approach to biodiversity planning

This book reviews the key successes and challenges in achieving a truly participatory process of policy making. It is a handbook of participatory tools used to prepare IndiaÆs National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan under the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Bringing in multiple perspectives, especially those that usually remain invisible, is a universal challenge to policy processes today. Based on diverse opinions and perspectives, this book moves beyond the general principles of participation to identify precise approaches that work (as well as risks and pitfalls) in including diverse local opinions. A range of successful tools are explained step-by-step to help practitioners adapt and design appropriate approaches for their own contexts. The handbook is structured geographically, looking at Karnataka, Maharashtra, Sikkim and Andhra Pradesh, concluding with a more general look at the national media campaign.