INGO engagement with indigenous social movements in the Peruvian Amazon

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Other oil and gas)

Basic and strategic applied research

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Development Studies)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Consumer attitudes and behaviour)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Other sociological economical and environmental impact of energy)

Dr B Pratt
INTRAC International NGO Training and Research Centre

Standard

ESRC

01 March 2005

31 December 2006

22 months

£56,381

No relevance to Underpinning Sectors

South East

ESRC Energy

Dr B Pratt, INTRAC International NGO Training and Research Centre

Ms L Earle, INTRAC International NGO Training and Research Centre

Objectives not supplied

The project will study the collaboration between a local indigenous social movement in the Camisea region of the Peruvian Amazon and international NGOs (INGOs) that aim to uphold indigenous rights and preserve biodiversity. Gas extraction by a consortium of multinational energy corporations went into operation in the region in August 2004, after a decade of opposition from INGOs and a more ambiguous response from local indigenous groups. Research Questions: How does engagement with international non-governmental actors impact upon indigenous social movements in terms of their mission, activities, membership and self-presentation? In what ways has consensus over priorities and goals been negotiated since engagement between INGOs and the indigenous social movement was initiated? The study aims to examine whether indigenous peoples aims have been co-opted by INGOs in the struggle to achieve common ground for collaboration, or if conservationist actors have had to concede space to the demands of well-organised indigenous peoples using powerful rhetoric regarding their rights to land, development and the use of resources. An initial literature review will be followed up by two research field visits to the Camisea region, one year apart. Methods used will include organisational assessments, semi-structured and open interviews and focus group discussions.

06/09/11