Between Rivers: Reflections on home, obligation, and otherness from a confluence of conservation and connectivity

Author

Chandra M. Brown, University of MontanaFollow

Year of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Environmental Studies

Department or School/College

Environmental Studies Program

Committee Chair

Phil Condon

Commitee Members

Dan Spencer, Matthew Frank, Kimber McKay

Keywords

Ecuador, recreation, rights of nature, indigenous rights, localness, outsiders

Subject Categories

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Between Rivers is an exploration of the role of the outsider in international watershed conservation. Through extended personal narrative and analysis of current events, ethnographic texts, and sociopolitical history, this thesis considers questions related to responsibility in conservation. The narrative focuses on Ecuador’s Jondachi Fest, a case study in international collaboration and celebration of an ecologically key river system. Grassroots celebrations and river festivals are sprouting up on endangered rivers all across South America. In this thesis, the author examines her own experience as an outsider working to facilitate one such festival – the challenges, shortcomings, relationships, and victories – and the sweeping, undeniably ubiquitous role of the river in her life.

Recommended Citation

Brown, Chandra M., "Between Rivers: Reflections on home, obligation, and otherness from a confluence of conservation and connectivity" (2016). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 10658.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/10658