Politics of the environment

The readings in the second week of GEOG 5325: Cultural Politics of Environment & Development touched on a central aspect of my master's studies and a preoccupation of mine over this past fall. Recently, as noted in past blog entries, I delved into the contested environmental narratives and the deforestation discourse in the Himalayan context. Blaikie & Muldavin's article was particularly appropriate and complemented my readings of Ives & Messerli (1989) and Ives' recent work, Himalayan Perceptions (2004) that both looked at the history of the "Theory of Himalayan Environmental Degradation" (THED) and how it persisted over the years.

Going further, Blaikie & Muldavin helped elucidate why national policies had remained relatively unchanged since the THED discourse was largely debunked in the 1980s. This lack of influence proved to be quite telling on how academic debates among social scientists have either failed to make much of an impact or been actively resisted by the policy apparatus largely dominated by their natural science counterparts. As Blaikie & Muldavin noted, this debunking may have indeed been overstated, given that the Himalayas are experiencing several environmental challenges including habitat loss, urban sprawl, pollution, roads, dams, mining, tourist traffic, etc. In fact, given the discursive uncertainties, it is imperative to figure this out. However what is clear is that while the blame game has become politically incorrect, highland communities have continued to bear the brunt of these environmental pressures and the prescribed draconian policies attempting to remedy them.

Source: Blaikie, P.M. & Muldavin, J.S.S. 2004. Upstream, downstream, China, India: the politics of environment in the Himalayan Region. Annals of the Association of American Geographers 94 (3): 520-548.

Ideas for research and upcoming presentations

Back from the break and I am already inundated with readings and writings! One stands out in particular -- Blaikie and Muldavin's recent paper on India-China discourses in relation to THED. I'll comment on this in the next posting.

After meeting with my advisor in December, we both came to the conclusion that a comparative approach to my research would be useful in framing the issues I will be tackling in a wider theoretical and regional context. As Nepal has become much too dangerous to travel for university-sanctioned research, Uttaranchal, Himachal, and Sikkim have emerged as reasonable options. Already, work is underway at York on the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal, so I am eager to hear about this project, which will be presented in early February at an Indigenous Struggles conference. Incidentally, I will also be presenting on the Nanda Devi Campaign earlier that week. Here's the details:

Monday, February 7 -
From Chipko to Jhapto Cheeno: Women and the New Movements for Environmental Justice in the Indian Himalayas
Speaker: Rajiv Rawat (Geography)
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: 305 Founders, York University
Sponsor: Centre for Feminist Research and UCGS

As for Sikkim, I came across this article about the growing capacity for ecotourism in the area. It looks like partnerships are being forged all over the place between activist NGOs in North America and Indian communities.

GEO Magazine covers Nanda Devi

Sunil Kainthola, my main collaborator in India, sent me this heads up about the January issue of the French geographic journal, GEO. Subtitled, "les paysans privés de terre au nom de l'écologie", the India section contain some familiar faces (including Sureshi Devi) from the Nanda Devi web site, including pictures of Lata village and such. As the photo portfolio details explicitly the ongoing community struggle there, it should be of great help. Now, getting my hands on it in Toronto will be difficult. Probably better luck in Québec.