Date of Award
Summer 8-16-2024
Level of Access Assigned by Author
Open-Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Anthropology and Environmental Policy
Advisor
Christine Beitl
Second Committee Member
Cynthia Isenhour
Third Committee Member
Syeed Mehmood
Additional Committee Members
Joshua Stoll
Tim Waring
Abstract
This doctoral research aims to explore how neoliberal ideologies influence governance in the Sundarbans and examine their implications for ecosystem sustainability and community well-being. Situated at the nexus of intense ecological, economic, and social pressures, the Sundarbans serve as a vital biodiversity hotspot and the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. This transboundary ecosystem acts as a natural defense against climate-related disasters while supporting the livelihoods of millions who live adjacent to it. The research delves into the historical governance and environmental transformations that have shaped the development of the forest and its communities. It investigates how institutional interactions at various levels influence current governance structures and assesses the impact of neoliberal policies on local livelihoods. Employing a multi-sited ethnographic approach, the fieldwork was conducted in the Bangladesh portion of the Sundarbans, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, household surveys, and archival research. The integration of these methods not only strengthens the research’s validity and applicability but also ensures inclusivity by capturing a broad spectrum of perspectives. The research reveals a governance dilemma where biodiversity conservation priorities often clash with the socio-economic needs of local communities, exacerbated by external market pressures and internal policy inconsistencies. Neoliberal policies promoting deregulation and trade liberalization not only connect the Sundarbans to global markets but also expose the resource-dependent communities to volatile market forces, often placing their needs at odds with global economic agendas. These policies have also led to the expansion of protected areas that restrict locals’ access to resources, fostering unsustainable practices and increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities. Additionally, the study notes that market integration has entrenched traditional gender roles, adversely affecting women's empowerment and their participation in resource management. The study argues that current conservation governance is inadequately aligned with local socio-economic realities. It advocates for adopting more inclusive and adaptive governance frameworks that integrate local perspectives into conservation strategies and promote polycentric governance models. By providing a nuanced understanding of these governance challenges, this research contributes to broader discussions on environmental anthropology, sustainable development, and conservation policy, advocating for approaches that ensure social equity and ecological sustainability.
Recommended Citation
Baten, Mohammed, "The Complex Entanglement of Conservation, Livelihood and Markets: Governance of the Sundarbans Mangrove in the Neoliberal Era" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4068.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/4068