Standing My Ground

Discover the captivating journey of Alan Mark in 'Standing My Ground', a profound account of his more than five decades advocating for conservation in New Zealand. This paperback memoir, published by Otago University Press, dives into the life of a respected botanist and ecologist whose work has shaped environmental policies and practices in the region. With dimensions of 150 x 230 mm and spanning 284 pages, this book is a compelling blend of personal experiences and social activism. Alan Mark's compelling narrative chronicles his relentless fight for the establishment of tussock-grassland reserves in the South Island high country and his pivotal role in the campaign to save the Denniston Plateau from mining threats. His leadership and tenacity highlight significant ecological battles, showcasing how individual action can lead to impactful change. Readers will gain insights into his academic career at Otago University, where he mentored thousands and published over 200 papers, blending academic rigor with real-world conservation efforts. 'Standing My Ground' is not just a memoir but also a crucial documentation of New Zealand's conservation history, making it a valuable addition for anyone interested in environmental studies, botany, and the power of grassroots activism. Order your copy today and immerse yourself in the stories of challenges, achievements, and the enduring spirit of conservation that Alan Mark exemplifies.

Author: Alan Mark Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm
Pages: 284
Publication Date: 04-09-2015

For more than five decades, Alan Mark has been a voice for conservation in New Zealand. From his call in the 1960s for the establishment of tussock-grassland reserves in the South Island high country to his involvement in the 2011-13 campaign to save the Denniston Plateau from mining, he has been a passionate and effective advocate for the preservation of areas of ecological importance. Alan’s conservation activities have paralleled - and are informed by - a distinguished academic career as a botanist and ecologist. A member of Otago University’s Botany Department from 1955 until his retirement as Professor and Head of Department in 1998, he has run and participated in numerous research projects, taught and mentored thousands of students and published 200 academic papers. In Standing My Ground, Alan describes the challenges and achievements, the frustrations and successes that have made up his remarkable life, now in its ninth decade. A revered figure in the conservation movement, rewarded for his contribution by a knighthood in 2009, he has also endured his share of criticism and insult, which he has weathered with the support of Otago University and his family. As well as providing an important record of New Zealand’s conservation battles and documenting the life of an outstanding New Zealander, Standing My Ground is an inspiring reminder of the power of individuals to make a difference.