Patricia Oliart (School of Modern Languages)
Location: Research Beehive 2.20
Time/Date: 18th February 2010, 16:00 - 17:00
The creation of natural reserves in the Amazon represents a controversial attempt to defend the last free spaces in the rain forest from the devastating effects of extractive activities and the demographic pressure over its resources. Sought after by environmentalist NGOs, the scientific community, and in particular cases, by indigenous organisations, their creation in such a disputed scenario is mired with conflict. Tensions around their configuration and management generate intense negotiations that end up transforming the original projects, reflecting the interests and power relations of the agents involved in the areas surrounding the reserves. As they evolve, such conflicts offer a unique chance to examine the different arguments used to determine the importance of the conservation or protection of biodiversity. Based on interviews to indigenous leaders, mestizo dwellers, indigenous communities, environmentalist NGOs and local authorities involved in two protected areas in Peru, this paper discusses how different understandings of the Amazon and definitions of biodiversity may lay behind conflict and negotiations over the uses of the rainforest.
Published: 5th January 2010