Green Colonialism: A Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of Conservation Practices In The Context Of Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Sammanfattning: Since its establishment in 1969, external actors have been significantly involved in the implementation of nature conservation in Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP). As climate change becomes increasingly tangible, conservation activities are frequently being deployed to protect ecosystems across the globe. Albeit an emphasis on community-participation, the philosophy of exclusionary protectionism appears intact and on several occasions, conservationist efforts result in the eviction of local communities, all in the name of the environment. This study attempts to investigate the potentialities of green colonialist features within competing discourses, underpinning conservation efforts in the context of SMNP, produced by UNESCO. The analysis targets discursive practices and linguistic representations of UNESCO, and the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), through Fairclough's model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). In addition, the theoretical framework of Orientalism, positioned within the postcolonial school of thought was applied. The results indicated colonial characteristics within the material, reproducing green colonialism through the discursive practices underpinning environmental protection. Notwithstanding pledges to include local inhabitants, the discursive aspects of conservation continue to reflect structures of profound inequality.