First Advisor

Melissa Haeffner

Date of Award

Winter 3-14-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science and University Honors

Department

Environmental Science

Language

English

Subjects

Indigenous-led conservation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, ecological sovereignty, re-localization, green colonialism, environmental justice

Abstract

This study examines how members of Indigenous-led conservation organizations perceive the ecological and social implications of colonial conservation ideologies in the context of contemporary grassroots strategies. By analyzing the ongoing impact of conservation frameworks in Kenya, this research highlights the role of Indigenous-led initiatives in advancing sustainable, community-driven alternatives. Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, which integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with Western scientific methods, the study employs qualitative, semi-structured interviews with leaders from Zawadisha, KENVO, Wildlife Works, and CER-Kenya. Findings indicate that these organizations, particularly those led by women, actively restore biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and challenge exclusionary conservation policies. Additionally, participants highlight the persistence of green colonialism and greenwashing as barriers to equitable environmental governance. This study contributes to the discourse on decolonizing conservation by underscoring the need for policy frameworks that center Indigenous knowledge and leadership in sustainable land management.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43666

Download

Share

COinS