This View of Life Decolonizing Ecology: Rethinking Nature in a Broken World
May 2, 2025
Madhusudan Katti, an evolutionary ecologist focused on urban biodiversity, and Amitangshu Acharya, a political ecologist specializing in water governance, engage in a compelling dialogue about decolonizing ecology. They discuss how colonial worldviews have shaped environmental practices and emphasize the importance of integrating local knowledge. The conversation critiques the exclusion of marginalized communities from conservation efforts, advocating for a holistic understanding of ecology that respects both biodiversity and traditional wisdom while proposing a shift in perspectives towards environmental justice.
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Herders Removed, Ecology Disrupted
- Removing herders from protected areas disrupted ecological balance and increased human-wildlife conflicts.
- This highlights the unintended consequences of conservation approaches based on exclusion of local communities.
Bharatpur's Colonial Conservation Story
- Bharatpur wetland was initially created by a local king inspired by English duck hunting.
- Later, exclusion of local grazing caused wetland shrinkage and ecological imbalance, showcasing colonial conservation flaws.
Decoloniality Goes Beyond Political Independence
- Decoloniality addresses not just political change but also colonial mindsets and epistemic frameworks.
- True decolonization involves transforming power structures and knowledge systems, beyond mere political independence.
