Geographies of New Caledonia-Kanaky: Environments, Politics and Cultures

ISBN-13: 9783031491399 / Angielski

Matthias Kowasch; Simon P. J. Batterbury

Spis treści

1. Introduction

(Matthias Kowasch, University of Graz) 

2. Colonial history and decolonisation (independence question)

• Colonial history (Isabelle Merle, CNRS, Marseille; Adrien Muckle, Victoria University of Wellington) 

• Migration and foreign labor force in the colonial period (Isabelle Merle, CNRS, Marseille; Adrien Muckle, Victoria University of Wellington)   

• Sovereignty (Scott Robertson, Australian National University)

• Role of France in New Caledonia (Denise Fisher, Australian National University)

3. Spatial disparities and rural development

• Social-economic development in a remote district in northern New Caledonia (Simon Batterbury, Lancaster University)

• Rural development on “Grande Terre”, New Caledonia’s main island (Séverine Bouard, Institut agronomique calédonien)

4. Environmental protection and biodiversity

• Which environment to protect in New Caledonia? (Estienne Rodary, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) 

• Fisheries (Catherine Sabinot, IRD Noumea; Gilbert David, IRD Montpellier)

• Large-scale marine protected areas (Marlène Dégrement, IRD Noumea) 

• Terrestrial biodiversity (Robin Pouteau, Institut agronomique calédonien) 

5. Climate change 

• Climate change, a case study from Ouvea island (Elisabeth Worliczek, University of Natural Resources and Life Science, Vienna)

6. Extractive industries and mining development

• Indigenous movement and mining development (Claire Levacher, Institut agronomique calédonien)

• Koniambo project, an instrument for economic and political emancipation (Matthias Kowasch, University of Graz) 

7. Social transformations and ethnic disparities 

• Changing roles: Women in politics (Kerry Baker, Australian National University)

• Ethnic disparities in education (Samuel Gorohouna, University of New Caledonia)

8. Tourism

O autorze

Matthias Kowasch is a human geographer, Professor of Didactics in Geography and Economics at the University College of Teacher Education Styria, Austria, and currently Professor II at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences.  

Simon P.J. Batterbury is a human geographer, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Melbourne, and convenor of the doctoral training program, the Melbourne Climate Futures Academy.

Blurb

This open access book provides a unique overview of geographical, historical, political and environmental issues facing the French overseas territory New Caledonia, also called “Kanaky” by the indigenous Kanak people, who outnumber citizens of European and Asian origin. New Caledonia has seen a long and complex struggle for decolonization, but is still on the United Nations’ list of “Non-Self Governing territories” and there is little sign of change following three referendums and extensive negotiations with France. The archipelago possesses around a quarter of the world’s nickel deposits, giving it additional strategic importance when demand for the mineral is strong. The islands have unique biodiversity, and Caledonian coastal lagoons have been listed as UNESCO world heritage sites since 2008. The book offers detailed insights into the environmental and human geographies of the archipelago, with a focus on the links between environmental protection and extensive mining operations, between political independence struggles and continued wellbeing and economic development, and the differing visions for the future of the islands. This multidisciplinary volume, the first to appear in English for many years, appeals to scientists, students and policy makers across the environmental, social and political sciences.