Die Politik des Waldes: Ethnologische Perspektiven auf Mensch-Umwelt-Beziehungen

In the organizer's words:

Forests are increasingly coming to the fore in current public debates. They are becoming the setting for discussions about ecological justice. Forest dieback and the increase in forest fires are symbols of the devastating effects of climate change. In this lecture, we will take an ethnological approach to the diverse human ideas and designs of the forest habitat. What is actually meant when we talk about forests? We will examine how political and economic interests influence what is understood as forest and which perspectives and practices remain hidden. Two case studies will illustrate this. Firstly, we look at the role of maps in the history of forest conservation in West Africa. Secondly, we examine the connection between the spread of the bark beetle in Europe's last remaining primeval forest and the nationalist policies of the Polish PiS party. These two examples illustrate that forests are less 'natural' than is often assumed and show how strongly they are determined by human influences.

Speaker: David Kananizadeh

Location: Goethestraße 3-5, 1st floor, R. 1.25/26

Further information on the program of the lecture series and booking can be found on the website of the Scientific Continuing Education.

Price information:

Alternatively, tickets are available at the entrance.