CHEC Books
The Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC) champions clear, evidence‑based voices on human ecology and the climate crisis, amplifying the work of researchers, practitioners, and community leaders whose insights shape sustainable futures. By publishing accessible books, reports, journals and resources, CHEC ensures vital ideas reach policymakers, educators, and the wider public—bridging academic rigour with practical action. CHEC hopes to increase the visibility and impact of research, honours the extraordinary people driving change, and fosters informed dialogue that empowers communities to respond effectively to environmental and social challenges. Through careful editing, strategic dissemination and commitment to equity, CHEC strives to transform knowledge into influence and action.
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Zena Daysh: An Extraordinary Woman
CHEC is proud to announce the publication of Zena Daysh: An Extraordinary Woman, a biography celebrating the life, work, and enduring legacy of CHEC's visionary founder. Written by Margaret Evans and Ian Douglas, the book is available here on the CHEC website at with an eBook edition coming shortly to Kindle Amazon.
Born in New Zealand in 1914 and active on the world stage until her passing in 2011, Dr. Zena Daysh was a pioneering force in the field of Human Ecology whose contribution to the Commonwealth and the global community was widely recognised as outstanding. A passionate advocate for the relationship between people and their environments, she dedicated her life to building bridges between governments, civil society, and communities across the Commonwealth — championing sustainable development decades before it entered the mainstream conversation. Her founding of CHEC in 1969 created an organisation that continues to this day to advance the principles she held dear.
This book offers an intimate portrait of a remarkable life — from her early years in New Zealand to her decades of influence at international conferences, the United Nations, and within the Commonwealth family. For those who knew Zena, and for those discovering her legacy for the first time, this biography is both a tribute and an inspiration.
Reassessing Civic Diagnosis in City Design
Published in 2024, “Reassessing Civic Diagnosis in City Design” by Michael Mutter, OBE, is another look at its continued human ecological use today involving urban planning communities and their citizens locally and internationally.
Human ecological practice is reshaping urban planning as communities build resilient, equitable cities. Planners use green infrastructure, mixed-use development and active transport to reduce environmental impact and strengthen social ties. Community-led projects—urban gardens, participatory budgeting—harness local knowledge and share benefits. International partnerships exchange practices, technology, and policy to help cities adapt to climate change, manage resources and improve public health. Centering people and ecosystems creates livable, just, adaptable cities for present and future generations.
“Pioneers of ‘Civic Diagnosis’: How this human ecological concept influenced the UK’s International Official Development Assistance in Urban Development”
Volume 1 includes the chapters:
Origins and Methodologies of ‘Civic Diagnosis’
Civic Diagnosis and Setting the Scene for Progress 1997-2009
Volume 2 includes the chapters:
Searching for Evidence of Progress
Taking Forward the Professionally-led Urban Planning Concepts
100 Years of Civic Diagnosis/Human Ecology/City Region Intervention Tools in Practice for a World Recognising Climate Change Scenarios: Is This Optimistic Continuity for the Future?
A Bonus Introduction
To serve as an introduction to this exclusive publication Michael has prepared a short essay called “Analysing ‘Civic Diagnosis’ in UK-led International Urban Planning Policy” which provides as an introduction to Sir Patrick Geddes, recognises him as an early pioneer of ‘human ecology’ and looks to understand how the ‘civic diagnosis’ concept influenced the UK’s international urban planning policy.
Read the full Volume here!
Pioneers of ‘Civic Diagnosis’
Volume No. 1
This Overview Volume No.1 has been written by Michael Mutter and compiled by LAPWING in Bath, UK, in 2022 Acknowledgments are due to contributions from the full Max Lock Centre teams in UK and internationally; and to the many professionals engaged in the international urban development processes.
Read the full Volume here!
Pioneers of ‘Civic Diagnosis’
Volume No. 2
This Overview Volume No.2 has been written by Michael Mutter and compiled by LAPWING in Bath, UK, in 2022 Acknowledgments are due to contributions from the full Max Lock Centre teams in UK and internationally; and to the many professionals engaged in the international urban development processes
Read the full Volume here!
Bonus Introduction
Analysing ‘Civic Diagnosis’ in UK-led International Urban Planning Policy
To serve as an introduction to this exclusive publication Michael has prepared a short essay called “Analysing ‘Civic Diagnosis’ in UK-led International Urban Planning Policy” which provides as an introduction to Sir Patrick Geddes, recognises him as an early pioneer of ‘human ecology’ and looks to understand how the ‘civic diagnosis’ concept influenced the UK’s international urban planning policy.
Read the full essay here!