Justice Analysis of Ecotourism and Indigenous Communities
Colonialism is described as the “theft that is legitimised and optimised through restructuring and eroding the way of thinking, way of knowing and operation of societies” (Hlengwa, 2019, p.3). Therefore, Decolonisation as a justice theory aims to deconstruct the wider exploitative societal and cultural structures rooted in colonial influence (Haugen, 2024). It encourages restoring control to powerless communities stripped of their identity, promoting the reinstatement of social justice (Haugen, 2024). Decolonisation can link closely with other justice theories, such as participation. Involving different social groups in community decision-making is essential, as it not only encourages those directly affected to voice their experiences, but it also facilitates the sharing of local knowledge and reveals hidden inequalities, which can enhance the achievement of development policy, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) (Macarthy et al., 2019). Therefore, the participation of those impacted by colonialisation alongside policymakers can help successfully promote a paradigm shift towards decolonisation. However, whilst these theories of justice sound optimistic, there are questions regarding feasibility. For example, Mansuri and Roa (2004) argue that the homogenised idea of “local communities” can conceal power structures, marginalising certain communities and exacerbating inequalities. Furthermore, achieving social justice through decolonisation is difficult now that we live in a globalised world where “Western” superpowers exert their influence through neo-colonialism (Wijesinghe et al., 2019).
So, how do these theories of justice link to ecotourism and indigenous communities? Whilst ecotourism supports environmental conservation, educates tourists on different cultural practices and contributes to rural sustainable development, it has been criticised for “being the product of a Western ‘classical conservationist’ paradigm…rooted in Western cultural, economic and political ideologies” (Wondirad et al., 2019, p.144). This is an example of neo-colonialism, where conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are imposing exploitative policies that ignore indigenous communities (Wondirad et al., 2019). This creates challenges such as forced displacement, cultural commodification, intensified power dynamics and erasing native identities for the benefit of “Western” environmental conservation (Devine and Ojeda, 2017). For example, Cerialo (2021) found, whilst researching Indigenous communities and ecotourism in the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve in the US, that to conserve the area; many indigenous communities were forced out. Additionally, further displacement and economic disparities occurred when satisfied tourists wanted to buy second homes in that local area. Similarly, Williams and Gonzalez (2017) researched neo-colonialism in Hawaii’s tourism industry and found that white settler colonisation has partly eradicated native history centred around the ‘Iolani Palace and that currently, neo-colonialism is commodifying aloha culture.
Therefore, restorative justice for Indigenous communities in ecotourism is desperately needed. There should be a shift towards a community-based tourist framework where Indigenous communities lead ecotourism efforts (Haugen, 2024). This ensures Indigenous voices and knowledge are prioritised and allows them to retain power over their ancestral land. Ecotourism should also focus on Indigenous history and bring colonialist activities to light to further educate keen tourists, giving Indigenous tribes a chance to share their experiences (Haugen, 2024). Collaboration and participation between conservation NGOs and Indigenous communities are encouraged to ensure future exploitation does not occur and includes marginalised groups in any new tourism projects in the local area. For example, Wondirad et al. (2019) argue policy needs to ensure NGOs focus on tackling the challenges of ecotourism and empower local communities, if not then this will undermine not only social justice efforts but also environmental conservation and economic development. Therefore, to successfully meet the UN’s SDGs we need a shift away from “Western” conservation that is embedded in neo-colonial ideas, and instead work closely with indigenous communities to achieve equitable outcomes (Devine and Ojeda, 2017).
References:
Cerialo, K.L. 2021. The Social Impacts of Tourism in the UNESCO Champlain Adirondack Biosphere Reserve (USA). PhD Dissertation, Antioch University.
Devine, J. and Ojeda, D. 2017. Violence and dispossession in tourism development: a critical geographical approach. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. [Online]. 25(5), pp. 605-617. [Accessed 1 November 2024]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2017.1293401
Haugen, J. 2024. What Does “Decolonizing Tourism” Mean? A Consideration of Community, Diversity, Nature, and Culture. 22 May. Rethinking Tourism, Rooted. [Online]. [Accessed 30 October 2024]. Available from: https://rootedstorytelling.com/rethinking-tourism/decolonizing-tourism-community-diversity-nature-culture/
Hlengwa, D.C. 2019. Infusion of indigenous knowledge into the teaching of ecotourism entrepreneurship. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure. [Online]. 8(4), pp. 1-13. [Accessed 28 October 2024]. Available from: https://www.ajhtl.com/2019.html
Macarthy, J.M., Frediani, A.A. and Kamara, S.F. 2019. Report on the role of Community Action Area Planning in expanding the participatory capabilities of the urban poor. [Online]. Freetown: Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC). [Accessed 1 November 2024]. Available from: https://www.slurc.org/uploads/1/0/9/7/109761391/caap_research_report_final__web_quality_.pdf
Mansuri, G. and Roa, V. 2004. Community-Based and -Driven Development: A Critical Review. World Bank Research Observer. [Online]. 19(1), pp.1-39. [Accessed 28 October 2024]. Available from: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=873725
Wijesinghe, S.N.R., Mura, P. and Bouchon, F. 2019. Tourism knowledge and neocolonialism – a systematic critical review of the literature. Current Issues in Tourism. [Online]. 22(11), pp. 1263-1279. [Accessed 29 October 2024]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2017.1402871
Williams, L.K. and Gonzalez, V.V. 2017. Indigeneity, sovereignty, sustainability and cultural tourism: hosts and hostages at ‘Iolani Palace, Hawai’i. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. [Online]. 25(5), pp. 605-617. [Accessed 1 November 2024]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2016.1226850
Wondirad, A., Tolkach, D. and King, B. 2020. NGOs in ecotourism: patrons of sustainability or neo-colonial agents? Evidence from Africa. Tourism recreation research. [Online]. 45(2), pp.144-160. [Accessed 29 October 2024]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2019.1675269