A Handbook on International Wilderness Law and Policy provides the first comprehensive overview of the different approaches to wilderness law and policy around the world.

At WILD9, the 9th World Wilderness Congress (6-13 November 2009, Merida Mexico)  we launched an abridged version of the Handbook in Spanish, as part of WILD’s continued work to expand the global wilderness community.  The Spanish version is available for purchase from our online book store.  Una Introduccion Alderecho y a las Politicas Internacionales Sobre Areas Silvestres is the first international publication on wilderness law and policy in a language other than English.  The French version, Une introduction au droit et aux politiques internationales de la nature sauvage has recently been made available as well.

English: Purchase hardcopy

Spanish: Purchase hardcopy // Download full PDF 

French: Purchase hardcopy // Download full PDF 

This book serves two primary purposes. It provides a detailed “how-to” guide for conservation professionals interested in developing new wilderness laws or policies in their countries, and it provides the most current information to practitioners in countries where wilderness laws and policies are already in place, but who are interested in learning from approaches and experiences in other countries. In addition to case studies of wilderness laws and policies written by leading conservationists from 12 countries and one indigenous group (the Confederated Salish and Kootenai), the book also includes a matrix allowing for easy comparison of the different wilderness definitions in use around the world.

Read what key conservationists have said about the handbook >