Transnational (Dis)connections: Mountain Gorilla Conservation in Rwanda and the DRC

Abstract

This thesis uses a case study of mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda and the DRCto explore how diverse connections and disconnections influence idea circulation anddisseminate different forms of inclusion and exclusion of particular people and groups.It is embedded within a theoretical framework that brings together three bodies ofliterature on non-governmental organisations (NGOs), transnational networks andideational power to ask questions about network interactions and what they mean interms of idea circulation. The thesis addresses three research questions: What dotransnational networks look like on the ground; what do (dis)connections look like andwhat do they mean in terms of idea circulation, inclusion and exclusion; and (how) dotransnational networks operate to include and circulate the ideas of more marginalisedgroups in society?This thesis presents results from a survey of the work of 281 conservation NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa, which maps out the institutional context of mountain gorillaconservation and raises questions about the interactions, equality and inclusiveness ofthe sector. Having identified mountain gorilla conservation as a suitable case study forthis research, the thesis explores the political and environmental history of the Virungas,looking at how the two interact and influence (dis)connections. Using data gatheredfrom semi-structured interviews, this thesis introduces the key actors, structures andprocesses involved in mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda and the DRC andexplores the connections between them. It shows how connections based on perceptionsof expertise, staff movement and the professional and social circles people move incause certain ideas to be respected and circulated, whilst other people and their ideas are'accidentally' excluded. At the same time 'strategic' disconnections, which result frompersonal and organisational conflicts, can prevent idea circulation and lead to projectduplication in some areas and a lack of projects in others. The thesis also examinesNGO and state claims that 'the idea (for interventions) came from the community'. Itargues that, with exceptions, in a context of 'sensitisation' of communities toconservation and a complex political history, NGOs and states often define community'ideas' themselves and do not typically have processes in place to foster local ideas,potentially excluding some of the more marginalised groups in society.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2013
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Daniel Brockington (Supervisor) & Rosaleen Duffy (Supervisor)