Ancient lands: new perspectives. Towards multi-cultural literacy in landscape management

Relationships between aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples are being re-shaped in Canada and Australia, as in many other parts of the world through land claims and other reforms that may lead to more viable interdependence between societies and regions. These changing relationships are accompanied by new perspectives concerning landscape management and development planning that borrow from ancient traditions. Landscapes are increasingly subject to joint stewardship involving diverse interests and cultural values. Three key elements in the quest for greater cultural and environmental literacy include building integrated knowledge systems, initiating sustainable and equitable management strategies, and encouraging adaptive institutions.