First Published in 2002

While world-wide political, sociological and economic processes encourage the marginalization of peripheral areas, the general degradation of the ecosystem increasingly affects marginal populations as they are more likely to use natural resources. The fact that these communities suffer greatly from environmental, economic and social problems also tends to prevent them adopting a sustainable use of these local resources.

Using a series of international case studies from both developed and developing countries, this remarkable volume explores issues of sustainable development in marginalized regions of the world. It discusses population development and sustainability, as well as environment and sustainability, from the point of view of regional development. It also examines globalization and the role of education in encouraging a sustainable path of development.

A common focus shared by the contributors is that of the human aspects of development, as well as the concept of sustainability and its usefulness in geographical and economic research. The volume provides an insightful overview of the issues that touch sustainability in marginal and critical regions.