Managing resources sustainably on the local level is essential for achieving the global goal of sustainable development. The importance of people''s participation for sustainable development has recently become increasingly acknowledged yet there is little understanding of the multiple dimensions that such participation involves.Grassroots Environmental Action questions the viability of traditional management systems. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa focus on areas where local people are vigorous actors in the determination of their own future and that of their environment.

Managing resources sustainably on the local level is essential for achieving the global goal of sustainable development. The importance of people''s participation for sustainable development has recently become increasingly acknowledged yet there is little understanding of the multiple dimensions that such participation involves.Grassroots Environmental Action questions the viability of traditional management systems. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa focus on areas where local people are vigorous actors in the determination of their own future and that of their environment.