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Cultural and Political Ecology at
the AAG Century Mark From March 14th to the 19th 2004, the Association of American Geographers celebrated its centennial meeting in Philadelphia. As part of this celebration, the Cultural and Political Ecology (CAPE) Specialty Group of the AAG organized three special panel sessions to reflect on the interdisciplinary field of Cultural and Political Ecology, in terms of its history, its future, and its impact in the world of policy and development. The specialty group was first founded in 1980-81, and it is worth noting that its first chairperson, William Doolittle who is often labeled a "Cultural Ecologist," served alongside its first Western States Director, Michael Watts, who is often labeled a "Political Ecologist." (CESG newsletter No. 1, Fall-winter 1980-81, page 1). In the spirit of the healthy diversity, synergy, and dynamic tension that the group has always represented, even at its inception, therefore the CAPE executive made a special effort have to invite a diverse group of scholars, both junior and senior researchers from anthropology, sociology, and geography, all with varying interests in cultural and political elements of the field. Session I:
Retrospective Archaeologies of the Field This session explored the development of Cultural and Political Ecology, examining important contributions, explicating key issues and concepts, and considering dead ends and missed opportunities. Have we lost some key threads? Has the development of the field surprised you? What are central unacknowledged influences? Missed opportunities? Key contributions? Session II:
Prospective Imaginaries and Futures The session explored the future of Cultural and Political Ecology, examining important paths for research, explicating emerging issues and concepts, and considering new directions and connections. What key threads or questions should we follow? Which debates need to be resolved? Which ignored? What opportunities are out there that remain unseized? What are central unacknowledged trends? Key areas for future contributions? Session III:
Application and Impact "in the World" The session will explore both the realized and potential role of Cultural and Political Ecology in development, policy, and education. What groups and communities are we talking to? Who are we misunderstanding? who is misunderstanding us? what successful interventions are there? Failures? Where should we be reaching out? How should we think about our questions? Our language? Missed opportunities? Dead ends? Presenters were requested to speak for a few minutes only and no prepared paper was necessary. The comments of the participants were followed by a lively moderated discussion between panel members, along with questions and comments from the floor. We present the following summary statements from several of the session participants, therefore, in a hope to capture some of the energy and content of the event. Cheers, Paul Robbins Kendra McSweeney Session Organizers |
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Page last updated March 1,
2006 |
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