Neoliberal resource appropriations and productions of nature

Dr. Astrid Ulloa, Universidad Nacional, Colombia, researches the territorial dimensions of indigenous autonomy and the challenge to their territoriality from extractivist regimes of appropriation, and the role of indigenous knowledge in the neoliberal context. Her publications include “Producción de conocimientos en torno al clima: Procesos históricos de exclusión/apropiación de saberes y territorios de mujeres y pueblos indígenas.”

Dr. Charles Hale, UT-Austin, is concerned with the role of neoliberalism in shaping identities, land rights and indigenous territoriality in Central America. His most recent publications include “¿Resistencia para que? Territory, autonomy and neoliberal entanglements in the ‘empty spaces’ of Central America” (Economy and Society [2011] 40 (2): 234-260).

Dr. Joe Bryan, University of Colorado, researches the relationship between neo-colonialism and map-making, and the ways in which participatory mapping may reproduce modern conceptions of territoriality and space. His recent articles include “Where would we be without them? Knowledge, space and power in indigenous politics” (Futures [2009] 41: 24-32) and “Cartography, territory, property: postcolonial reflections on indigenous counter-mapping in Nicaragua and Belize” (Cultural Geographies [2009] 16 (2): 153-178; with Joel Wainwright).

Mapping indigenous community boundaries in Nicaragua. Photo courtesy Joe Bryan.

Mapping indigenous community boundaries in Nicaragua. Photo courtesy Joe Bryan.