Heinz-Peter Arndt Book order

This publication examines the issues faced by the indigenous people of West Papua and their claim for freedom and independence. It is based on the personal experiences of the author, who has visited West Papua on several occasions, has met and spoken with people working for freedom and justice there, and has heard their accounts of oppression and brutality on the part of police and security forces in West Papua. The author places the struggle of the West Papuans in the context of the message of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching. He emphasises that the true meaning of solidarity includes the requirement to recognise and support the aspirations of indigenous people rather than simply telling them what they should be striving for.

In recent decades, access to natural resources has become increasingly concerning due to population growth and resource consumption. While some predictions about resource depletion have proven incorrect, shortages highlight the need for careful management of these goods. The future of humanity has prompted collaboration among scientists focused on enhancing the natural environment's potential and environmental protection advocates, who often criticize the detrimental effects on landscapes and ecosystems. A dialogue with land-use planners has commenced, emphasizing the importance of ongoing and intensified collaboration. As industrialized and developing nations become more economically and ethnically intertwined, it is crucial to find solutions that balance resource extraction with soil, water, and biosphere utilization alongside environmental protection. In addressing these conflicts, maps that translate geoscientific findings into actionable recommendations for regional planners have been invaluable. This volume presents the issues at hand, introducing both general and specific problems. Contributions from representatives of industrial and developing nations follow, culminating in an effort to draw conclusions relevant to the three professional fields involved.