This important new book explores the influences of global environmental discourses and local traditions and practises in twelve countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

This important volume explores the influence of global environmental discourses, and local traditions and practices, in twelve countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Two fundamental, interlocking questions are addressed: To what degree is a common environmental discourse emerging within the region? To what degree do environmental attitudes and behaviour remain embedded in local traditions and practices? Answers to these questions are sought on the basis of two parallel groups of studies. The first closely examines cultural influences in individual countries, including traditional attitudes to nature and the contemporary politics of the environment. Against this background, the second study examines the attitudes of young people across the region, based upon extensive survey and focus group data. Emerging from these investigations are striking findings that illuminate the patterns of social and environmental conditions within the Asia-Pacific. Offering a wealth of original material and data, and important conclusions concerning the direction of environmental policy and education in the region, the book will be of value to students, researchers and policy-makers alike.

Preface Rupert Maclean, UNESCO Office for Asia and the Pacific Introduction David Yencken, John Fien and Helen Sykes 1. Attitudes to nature in the East and West David Yencken 2. The research David Yencken, John Fien and Helen Sykes 3. One country two perspectives: South China Philip Stimpson 4.
Oya-Shima-Kuni: Japan Brendan Barrett, Osamu Abe, Eiichiro Harako and Satoshi Ichikawa 5. Living traditions: India M.J. Ravindranath and Usha Iyer-Raniga 6. Unity and Diversity: Southeast Asia Lily Kong
with Irene Teh-Cheong Poh Ai, Panji Tisna, Purisima Remorin, Rapeepun Suwannatachote and Wisat Lee 7. Songlines and the Gondwanan inheritance: Australia David Yencken and John Fien 8. Voices from the South-West Pacific John Fien with Gewa Au, Paul Keown, Premila Kumar and Sereana Takivakatini 9. Environmental attitudes, knowledge and behaviour of young people in
the Asia-Pacific region Helen Sykes, David Yencken, John
Fien and Florence Choo 10. Young people and the environment: the implications for environmentalism David Yencken 11. Listening to the voices of youth: Implications for educational reform John Fien