Description

This book examines rural landscapes as dynamic social-ecological systems shaped by accelerating environmental change, shifting livelihoods, and evolving governance. It brings together interdisciplinary perspectives to show how rural regions function through the interplay of ecology, society, culture, and policy.

The volume moves from core conceptual frameworks--including integrated social-ecological models --to empirical studies spanning Indigenous knowledge systems, land abandonment, pastoralism, sacred groves, climate vulnerability, geo-hazards, gendered livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, infrastructure expansion, and environmental law. These cases illustrate the diverse pressures and adaptive strategies that characterise contemporary rural environments.

Further chapters explore governance innovations, resilience building, adaptation pathways, agroforestry systems, and the possibilities of more just and sustainable rural futures. Across these contributions, the book highlights how ecological integrity and social equity must be addressed together to strengthen rural resilience, support climate adaptation, and sustain biodiversity and livelihoods.

Designed for researchers in ecology, geography, environmental social science, sustainability studies, and rural development, this book offers integrative frameworks and actionable insights for analysing and shaping rural change in an era of global transformation.