Mountain Development, Plains’ Bias
For decades following the Second World War, the destiny of billions in the Third World has been identified with "development", which can be described as the most extensive human activity in the world today. However, as practiced, it has remained an econometric exercise that marginalises the majority of the populace. The monetary reductionist approach to development has resulted in the free play of market forces. Development that is economically attractive for some but environmentally destructive for many has added to the burden of the poor. The process of marginalisation and environmental destruction is vividly evident in the mountains of the world.
According to the received history of civilisation, economic development is invariably seen to have evolved in the plains. This bias is so deep and extensive that even when attempts are made to redefine development, the rich experience of mountain regions are ignored, as was true, for instance, with the 1989 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development.