THE UNSUSTAINABILITY OF COUNTING ON STABILITY Ecotourism, extraction and the challenges to conservation in times of a global pandemic Janna Fleuren Wageningen University SDC Supervisor: Bram Büscher MSc Thesis: ENP-80436 ENP Supervisor: Machiel Lamers February 2021 THE UNSUSTAINABILITY OF COUNTING ON STABILITY Ecotourism, extraction and the challenges to conservation in times of a global pandemic Janna Harriëtte Fleuren MSc Student Environmental Sciences Specialisation Environmental Policy Sustainable Development Diplomacy Master Track Student no. 950103241100 Wageningen University (WUR) Prof. Dr. B.E. Büscher Sociology of Development and Change (SDC) Group Wageningen University (WUR) Dr. M.A.J. Lamers Environmental Policy (ENP) Group Wageningen University (WUR) MSc Thesis Environmental Sciences Environmental Policy (ENP) Group ENP – 80436 February 2021 Abstract The 2020 global pandemic brought a rupture in many ‘normal’ nature conservation practices. Focusing on the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) in Uganda, this thesis shows that counting on a general global stability is unsustainable in the way nature conservation is currently organised through PAs. It does so by analysing the ‘Ecotourism-Extraction Nexus’ in MFCA and how this neoliberalised conservation area has become heavily reliant on both sectors to fund conservation. As ecotourism has come to a near complete standstill due to the pandemic, it turns out that this faith in international stability, at least in terms of the possibility for continued circulation and growth of the key economic sectors in the Nexus, is unwarranted and carries high risks. Additionally, in order to protect the NP and these industries, local rural communities have been actively excluded from the area and subjected to securitisation measures. These processes started under colonialism but have been exacerbated by the presence of ecotourism and oil extraction in the area. While these securitisation measures are supposed to create order and stability, locally they often achieve the opposite. This additional problematic expression of the Nexus reinforces inequalities, while diminishing local support for nature conservation, which negatively affects conservation outcomes. The rupture of the Covid-19 pandemic magnified these already existing issues and structural inequalities in MFCA and brought them to the surface with uncomfortable clarity. The thesis concludes that the rupture provided by the 2020 Corona pandemic shows that the privatisation and commodification of nature through Protected Areas (PAs) is not a sustainable way of conserving biodiversity. Keywords: Nature, conservation, stability, rupture, ecotourism-extraction nexus, rural livelihoods, securitisation, pandemic, Covid-19. II Acknowledgements The process of writing this Master thesis has been long and challenging, with many lessons learned, both personally and academically. The main topic of ‘ruptures’ does not just apply to this research project, but to the past year for me as a person as well. And what a year it has been. It was a strange experience to write an academic analysis about the pandemic as a rupture in an assumed stability, while you are yourself experiencing that rupture very intensely and personally. Suddenly I had to decide whether I wanted to stay in Uganda, without knowing when I could then see my family and friends again. A decision that was difficult for more people than just myself, and that had a big impact on my life. This made the process of my research and my personal life much more intertwined than I originally anticipated. Fortunately, I look back at this meaningful period with happiness and gratitude. However, this final report is definitely not a solo achievement. There are a lot of people who were essential in finishing this project, and that I want to express my sincere gratitude to: First and foremost, to my supervisor, Bram Büscher. Of course for your inspiration, insights, advice, contagious enthusiasm, and your legendary sentence: “this is a nice start, now you can really make it into something good”, which sent me back to the drawing board countless times and forced my brain to bend in directions I did not deem possible beforehand. However, a good supervisor doesn’t just comment, he also listens. I realise I may not have been your most governable student in the past year, and I truly want to express my appreciation for your kind, patient and personal way of supervising, for always listening to my ideas, and for respecting my decision to stay in Uganda. To Machiel Lamers, my second supervisor, for your flexibility and helpful feedback. To Michael Oneka, and Guus Kiel for introducing us. Our long talks provided me with a much-needed introduction to the area, and many useful insights. To Lake Albert Touring, who invited me and introduced me to many interesting people. To all my interviewees, who took their time and attention to teach me about Uganda, and whose answers released a never-ending curiosity in me to understand even more about the country. On a more personal note, there are too many people to name here who supported me throughout this thesis, whether they did it consciously, or just by being kind, inspiring or understanding at the right moment. To some of you, I wish to explicitly give my warmest thanks: To my parents, Ton and Francine, and sisters, Anne and Emma (and their amazing sons), for supporting me throughout my studies and in the difficult decision to stay in Uganda during lockdown, giving me the confidence that I needed at that moment. You give me a place to come home to. To my dear Eline. I’m quite sure you severely underestimate how important you are to me, and it will probably be one of my lifelong missions to convince you. Your unconditional friendship, support and acceptance give me a feeling of stability that I can always fall back to when the world is too frantic or unfair. You make this world a kinder place, so please remember you deserve that kindness as well. To Sancho, for supporting me in the long proposal phase, and being an important chapter in my life. To my friend and sister in academic arms, Joke, for your support, sense of humour, and eternal willingness to critically discuss complex topics and never-ending doubts. To my amazing friends, colleagues and bosses, who always manage to make me laugh. And last, but definitely not least, my gratitude and love go to Jua Dai. For welcoming me into his favourite country, his home, and finally his life. You make every day an adventure and make me feel like I can face it head on. I can’t wait to see what the world has to offer us next. III Table of Contents Abstract .................................................................................................................................................................... II Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................................. III Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................. V List of Figures ......................................................................................................................................................... VI 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Problem statement ........................................................................................................................................ 3 1.2 Research questions ........................................................................................................................................ 3 1.3 Thesis outline ................................................................................................................................................. 4 2. Theoretical Framework ...................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 The role of Stability and Rupture ................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 The Ecotourism-Extraction Nexus .................................................................................................................. 6 2.3 Local livelihood experiences ........................................................................................................................... 8 2.4 Connecting the frameworks .........................................................................................................................10 3. Research Methodology .................................................................................................................... 11 3.1 Case selection and description .....................................................................................................................11 3.2 Data collection .............................................................................................................................................15 3.3 Data management and analysis ..................................................................................................................18 3.4 Data validation ............................................................................................................................................20 4. The Ecotourism-Extraction Nexus in MFCA .......................................................................................