Human Ecology and World Development

Sir Hugh W. Springer This book is the outcome of a symposium organized jointly by the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council and the Hudders­ field Polytechnic and held in Huddersfield in April 1973. It is the third book to have resulted from the work of the Council and like the other two it illustrates the need for a multi­ disciplinary approach when examining problems of world development. Commonwealth countries, like many other countries of the world, are becoming increasingly concerned that their processes of development should be so ordered as to preserve or enhance the quality of human life, and should therefore take account not only of economic considerations but also of all the other factors that must be kept in balance if all man's needs are to be satisfied in due proportion. Human ecology is moving towards a central place in development studies. The Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC) was set up to find ways of helping Commonwealth countries to cope with human ecological problems by providing an agency that could promote understanding and pool the knowledge and experience available in this field. Its functions are as follows: 1. To encourage the promotion and assist the growth of organizations concerned with human ecology in the countries of the Commonwealth. 2. To sustain a framework of affiliation through a common council. 3. To stimulate interest at all levels in educative activities and provide a centre and clearing house for information.