dc.contributor.advisor |
Coombes, B |
en |
dc.contributor.author |
Morrison, Virginia |
en |
dc.date.accessioned |
2011-02-26T21:54:25Z |
en |
dc.date.issued |
2011 |
en |
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/2292/6472 |
en |
dc.description |
Full text is available to authenticated members of The University of Auckland only. |
en |
dc.description.abstract |
This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of co-management as an environmental justice mechanism for indigenous peoples. Co-management provides for indigenous involvement in natural resource management. Its proponents typically identify and address procedural issues - such as insufficient time, human and financial resources - in their efforts to further promote indigenous participation. This superficial vision ignores key dimensions of justice. In response to this oversight, I draw on third wave environmental justice theory to critique co-management, arguing that it does not address the contextually embedded factors that circumscribe its justice potential. Co-management operates under the influence of historically entrenched power differentials and divisions between co-management partners and within indigenous groups, which restrict indigenous involvement. Furthermore, co-management conforms to prevailing Eurocentric management assumptions, creating 'spaces of misrecognition' that conflict with indigenous identities, worldviews and knowledge. Finally, co-management rarely occurs in conjunction with the complete transfer of ownership rights to indigenous peoples, thereby neglecting demands for self-determination. I apply this critique to the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006, which provided for co-management of the Rotorua lakes between Te Arawa, the district council and regional council. Interview data obtained from members of the partner organizations and other Te Arawa representatives demonstrates indigenous peoples' ability to develop strong working relationships within co-management structures, thereby reducing the significance of procedural concerns. While underlying power relations exert greater influence on indigenous involvement in co-management, co-management can recover from inadequate power-sharing by way of an adaptive approach. Contrary to the expectation that Eurocentric knowledge overpowers indigenous knowledge, co-management can also facilitate knowledge integration. This signifies a need to consider other ways in which dominant cultural assumptions disadvantage indigenous peoples. Co-management adheres to centralized representation systems that deny heterogeneity within indigenous communities. Additionally, separating the environment into discrete ownership and management units conflicts with indigenous understandings and ownership aspirations. Indigenous peoples should exercise caution in accepting co-management as it could be used as a substitute for ownership rights. These findings suggest that although co-management holds potential, further refinement is necessary to ensure that it addresses all underlying justice dimensions and promotes adequate recognition of indigenous peoples. |
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dc.publisher |
ResearchSpace@Auckland |
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dc.relation.ispartof |
Masters Thesis - University of Auckland |
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dc.relation.isreferencedby |
UoA 99215936414002091 |
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dc.rights |
Restricted Item. Available to authenticated members of The University of Auckland. |
en |
dc.rights.uri |
https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htm |
en |
dc.title |
Environmental Justice and Co-management of the Te Arawa Lakes |
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dc.type |
Thesis |
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thesis.degree.discipline |
Environmental Management |
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thesis.degree.grantor |
The University of Auckland |
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thesis.degree.level |
Masters |
en |
dc.rights.holder |
Copyright: the author |
en |
pubs.elements-id |
206582 |
en |
pubs.record-created-at-source-date |
2011-02-27 |
en |
dc.identifier.wikidata |
Q112887302 |
|