Introduction: People, Forests and the Need for Adaptation

In this book we take the position that in a world as complex as ours, buffeted as it will be by shocks, surprises and uncertainty of all kinds, the best we can do as managers or ‘stewards’ is to let go of the notion of control, fixed plans and solutions. Instead, we need to take our cue from the natural world and from communities such as those described in this book, and try to be inclusively, intentionally and proactively adaptive. How best we might do this is the question we ask ourselves throughout this book, as we examine empirical evidence from case studies in Asia. We, the forest researchers and forest communities involved, can offer insights on adaptation that can help others interested in managing forests and improving the livelihoods of poor people. We also believe there are lessons to be learnt for the stewardship of the planet we inhabit