Decolonizing Ecology (Coursework Sample)

Name Professor Course Date Decolonizing Ecology Why do you think that the process has been so low in terms of getting rid of these horrific names? Do you think that someone/something is holding onto these names for a reason? I think decolonizing the ecology has taken so long because of white supremacy, demonizing of local cultures, and other factors that contributed to the problem in the first place are still ripe in today’s society. Most of the committees and organizations tasked with naming the birds are composed mainly of whites making it challenging to convince them about what is wrong with giving birds English names. Even the advisory committee for The American Ornithological Society has 13 whites out of the 17 advisors making the voice of other ethnicities, most of whom suffered under white enslavers and colonialists unheard(Fears). Racism, a product of colonialism, has deep roots in ornithology, making birding a western affair, limiting access and involvement of blacks and other ethnicities who campaign against the horrific names. Regarding the quote above, what other examples of white patriarchy do we see in conservation methods towards the environment or simply the environment on its own? What is being done to move away from this white patriarchy, and what can be done further? Naming wild animals and conversation centers after white people or places exemplifies white patriarchy. In some countries, most game ranches and conservation centers are owned and run by foreigners because they have the resources and “expertise” in environmental conservation. Another example is transporting endangered or rare species of animals and plants to developed countries under the pretense of protecting them when they only end up in zoos and laboratories benefiting the whites. One of the primary strategies for moving away from white patriarchy is training as many experts as possible in environment conservation. It involves providing adequate funding and support to local institutions offering environmental courses and prioritizing local individuals or companies involved in environmental justice. As a result of settler colonialism, ecological vulnerability across the globe is now crossing over into environmental justice. What needs to change or should be changed to combat ecological vulnerability in regard to environmental justice? First ecological literature and research should not be limited to English or other western languages, which some native people do not understand. ...