Conservation, ecotourism, and agropastoralism share common ground in the Andes. ©Ben Ditto
On Common Ground: Conservation, Ecotourism, and Rural Economies
My early research in Latin America focused on dynamics between resource conservation and ecotourism, especially within national protected areas. Drawn to the complex relations between these sectors and agro-pastoral livelihoods in highland Peru, I studied the co-management strategies of Huascarán National Park involving state authorities, local communities, conservation NGO's, and tourism-service providers. More recently I have undertaken work on conservation philanthropy, environmental activism, and socio-economic change in Chilean Patagonia.
Representative Publications
Rasmussen, M., French, A., & Conlon, S. (2018) Conservation Conjunctures: Contest and Consent in Peru’s Huascarán National Park. Conservation and Society, 17(1): 1-14.
French, A. (2007) Huayhuash: A Convergence of Change and Resilience. Awarded the Inaugural Traverse Writing Award from matadortravel.com.
French, A. (2006) The Ishinca Peace Toilet. Peripheria, Vol. 2, # 7.
French, A. (2004) Climber Impacts and Access in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. American Alpine Journal, # 78, Vol. 46.