German, Laura

German, Laura
Organization(s): 
University of Georgia

I am at heart a problem solver. Convinced of the crucial importance of research and theory in informing policy and practice, I am also aware of the political, institutional and methodological challenges associated with making this a reality. While my recent work may be best characterized as critique, I have past experience and a profound interest in working to address some of the more intractable conservation and development challenges: reconciling the rural development imperative with customary land rights and social justice; enabling communities and societies to reconcile their economic development aspirations with social and environmental sustainability; grappling with the inevitable trade-offs of alternative land uses and governance arrangements. I welcome students interested in using sound scholarship to advance cutting edge interdisciplinary work; to support local communities and other actors to safeguard customary land rights and advance socially just development pathways; and to better bridge the divides between research, policy and practice.

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