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Adaptive Capacity for Endogenous Development of Kuna Yala, an Indigenous Biocultural System

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Lincoln University Digital Thesis Copyright Statement The digital copy of this thesis is protected by the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand). This thesis may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: you will use the copy only for the purposes of research or private study you will recognise the author's right to be identified as the author of the thesis and due acknowledgement will be made to the author where appropriate you will obtain the author's permission before publishing any material from the thesis. Adaptive Capacity for Endogenous Development of Kuna Yala, an Indigenous Biocultural System A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University by Jane Marina Apgar Lincoln University 2010 Abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Abstract Adaptive Capacity and Endogenous Development of Kuna Yala, an Indigenous Biocultural System by Jane Marina Apgar This thesis presents collaborative research undertaken with the Kuna indigenous peoples in Kuna Yala, a semi-autonomous indigenous territory in Panama. The Kuna experience of ongoing governance through traditional practices was chosen as an informative example through which to build understanding of the underlying processes that support endogenous development with the objective of contributing to a reframing of development and supporting self-determination of indigenous peoples. Complexity theory and a complex adaptive systems (CASs) analytical framework provide the theoretical grounding for a reframing of development as an endogenous process interacting across scales. The CASs framework guides a multi-scale analysis of Kuna Yala described as an indigenous biocultural system (IBCS) through merging complexity and biocultural approaches to working with indigenous territories. Through this framing, Kuna adaptive capacity which supports self-organisation becomes the central focus of the study. Participatory action research methodology facilitated iterations of learning cycles with a reflection group of Kuna leaders, through which conceptual clarity of adaptive capacity as an emergent phenomenon was sought. Three key groups of practices where simultaneously analysed through in-depth qualitative inquiry at multiple levels of collectivity: (i) leadership development, (ii) personhood development, and (iii) networking. Findings from analysis of key practices enable holistic interpretations of Kuna adaptive capacity and governance processes and understanding of how they support endogenous development. A key finding is that two levels of adaptive change support endogenous development. One level is consistent with adaptive management models, and I term the deeper level transformative change. Both operate through ongoing processes of reflection and interaction creating relational spaces, while transformation requires deeper levels of reflection which are facilitated through rituals. Findings on Kuna governance inform reflexive governance models by highlighting processes for linking between knowledge systems and scales for transdisciplinarity. Further, the Kuna case illustrates a fundamental role for ritual in supporting well-being across levels and scales of sustainability goals. The analysis also highlights key areas of challenges the Kuna and indigenous peoples in general face in supporting their self-determination within the current context of an interconnected global system. The last chapters of the thesis discuss reflections on the findings which lead to highlighting leverage points for Kuna practice and supporting indigenous self-determination. Finally, some reflections are offered on the challenges and opportunities that complexity provides for re-conceptualising the role of development agencies and projects in supporting endogenous development locally. Keywords: Complex adaptive systems, adaptive capacity, endogenous development, indigenous, biocultural, leadership, ritual, personhood, networks, governance ii Acknowledgements This thesis is but a small part of a long journey that started well before I enrolled in a PhD program and will continue into the future. Throughout the journey many have crossed my path; some have been instrumental in influencing my direction, others have shared a few moments and some continue to walk with me. So many people have, in some significant way, contributed to this work that it truly is a collective effort. The journey has taken place over several continents and many localities, creating a web of interactions through which my thinking and learning has emerged. First and foremost I am grateful to my parents and my sister for believing in me and helping me believe in myself, without them this journey would not have been possible. The most significant interactions for this thesis have occurred through my time spent in Panama and in the Comarca Kuna Yala. I thank the Kuna people, represented by their Congreso General Kuna and Congreso General de la Cultura Kuna for allowing me the opportunity to engage in this research and to share in collective life. Within Kuna institutions many leaders have supported and guided me, most significantly the Saila Dummagan of the CGK: Gilberto Arias, Inocencio Martinez and Anibal Escala, and Secretaries German Hernandez and Bolivar Perez, and Saila Dummad Eriberto Gonzales and Secretary Breido Lopez of the CGCK. During the years I have spent in Ukupseni and Colebir many people have helped me see the patterns that emerge from the complexities of Kuna life. I thank the leaders for granting me permission to live and share in community life, while always keeping me in line. Some of the most inspirational people I have been privileged to know and learn from are now resting in peace - Muu Cristina and Muu Celinda offered their grandmotherly words of wisdom, Saila Lombardo introduced me to Colebir and the life of a saila, and Gricelio Grimaldo, one of Ukupseni‘s great leaders, shared his passion for community work and his revolutionary spirit – your wisdom and energy will always be with me. In Ukupseni, Carolina Morales and Manfredo Porras gave me a second home that I will always return to. I also thank Celina Lopez de Valiente for creating a space for me in her world. Remigio Morgan, Elieser Davis and the rest of the Mor Ginnit group have taught me about community spirit. In Colebir, the Lombardo family provided me with a comfortable and warm home. Evidelia Brenes, her family and Eric Hernandez have been good friends to me. Eraulio Gonzales, leader of Mor Ginnit in Colebir, and Rogelio Ramos, leader of Asociacion de Productores Agricolas de Irgandi have also supported this work. I have been lucky to spend many hours in Panama City in the company of great thinkers and caring people. Most directly involved in this work was the newly formed group NEGA and in particular I am grateful to Artinelio Hernandez, Irik Limnio, Heraclio Herrera, Juan Perez, Simion Brown, Bidgidili Lopez, Adisvelky Martinez Reina, Valerio Nuñez and Digwidi Valiente for their time and enthusiasm. My most sincere gratitude goes to my dear friend Aresio Valiente who has always been there to help with the practical and intellectual challenges of living and working with the Kuna. Other friends who have contributed to my thinking include Masardule Arias, Florina Lopez, Teobaldo Hernandez, Kungiler Igainiginape and Enrique Garrido. Heidi and Edgardo Griffith have been my rock in Panama, all of their kindness and love has been pivotal to ensuring my well-being. I have shared the New Zealand part of my journey with many wonderful people. My family, and in particular my aunt Jane and great aunt Con have made me feel at home. I thank Lincoln University for the scholarship that supported me financially. If it weren‘t for Keith Morrison‘s inspiration and belief in my abilities I would not have begun this PhD, thank you for helping me appreciate the sacred in life. Will Allen has been a colleague, a friend and an amazing supervisor, who has stuck with me through ups and downs, guiding, directing and at times pushing me along. Kevin Moore has been a fantastic supervisor and has guided me iii through the bumpy road of a PhD process with his encouragement and insightful comments. Jamie Ataria has provided a necessary indigenous understanding to my interpretations, thank you for making the team whole. To all of my fellow residents of the tin shed, and to Marcela Palomino thank you for listening to my complaints and joys, being part of a group of PhDs has made the journey easier. In particular, thank you to Tippawan and Kitty for sharing their space so gracefully, and putting up with me day in and day out. To all of the members of the Sustainable Community Development Forum thanks for listening to my ideas, challenging them and helping me develop them. Finally, I am grateful to those who have taken the time and energy to carefully review, comment on and proof read this thesis. I am incredibly grateful to James Howe for all of his insightful and challenging comments that have helped me improve upon drafts considerably. Melissa Nolas provided constructive criticism, delivered in a thoughtful and caring manner that was extremely helpful. Thank you to Ed Hearnshaw for critiquing my work and being a champion at the end of this long process. Thank you to my mother and Lori Bradford for taking the time to read through drafts and help me navigate the complexities of English
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