NATURAL RESOURCE GOVERNANCE AND THE POLITICS OF KNOWLEDGE: A CASE STUDY OF THE KAMOETHWAY RIVER VALLEY IN MYANMAR

Abstract

With rising international investment interest in Myanmar, natural resources have become an increasingly important issue of governance. The Kamoethway River Valley in the Tanintharyi Region reflects this concern due to expanding extractive and development industries, opportunities borne as a result of an agreed ceasefire between the Myanmar Government and the Karen National Union (KNU). Such initiatives have placed strain on the natural resources in the area, once abundant and still depended on by local communities. This unsustainable activity has acquired the attention of leading international conservation organisations and as a result has lead to efforts in reserving protected areas. The purpose of this Thesis is to discuss the politics of knowledge that surround the issues of natural resource governance arising as a result of the numerous stakeholders involved. This Thesis takes a community-level approach and aims to unearth the complexities surrounding knowledge production and use and the impact this has on governance. The research used a qualitative methodology, including over 40 interviews and a number of focus group discussions with members of the Kamoethway River Valley Community, leading CSOs and NGOs in the area. A key priority of this research is to identify the impact the contestation of knowledge has on local communities and how knowledge can be used as a tool with which to participate in natural resource governance. Key findings as a result of the undertaken research indicate that despite the overall clarity and linear understanding of natural resource governance, underlying dynamics, such as the politics of knowledge, complicate and indirectly impact those most dependent on natural resources. Results have shown that with increasing development ventures in Kamoethway, comes an increase in knowledge contestation that often disregards the voice of local communities. This has often led to local communities being accused of anti-development sentiments further alienating them from decision-making processes. This Thesis concludes that local communities hold the capacity, knowledge and willingness for development.