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| Noam, Z. | |
| Eco-authoritarian conservation and ethnic conflict in Burma | |
| 2007 Policy Matters (15): 272-287 | |
This paper explores ethical and practical challenges faced by international conservation organizations working in Burma with the Burmese military regime (State Peace and Development Council, or SPDC) within the context of political and military conflict. The paper discusses why and how the Burmese junta attempts to exploit large-scale conservation projects by international NGOs not for the aims of conservation, but for purposes of state-building and militarization. It also describes how international conservationists are required to comply with the dictatorship's strict measures on engagement, ending up in "conservation-military alliances". With the aid of international conservation organizations, the military state gains control of politically-disputed indigenous territory and the natural resources contained therein. The Hukawng Valley Tiger Reserve supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a case in point. Meanwhile, grassroots environmentalism is taking hold in ethnic areas, although largely unnoticed by secular donors, conservationists and researchers. I argue that "eco-authoritarianism" is not the answer for successful biodiversity conservation. Ethically and socially-based solutions such as "selective environmental engagement" should rather be employed to protect Burma's environment and the people that rely upon it for their livelihoods. These solutions present a more appropriate, nuanced and just way for international conservationists to engage with Burma. |
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