The study covers the topic of sustainable development and the tourism industry in Egypt with a special focus on environmental degradation. The overarching research question for the study is ‘How...Show moreThe study covers the topic of sustainable development and the tourism industry in Egypt with a special focus on environmental degradation. The overarching research question for the study is ‘How does the tourism industry affect sustainable development in Egypt?’ Three case studies were used in order to demonstrate how the industry has affected the environment of the Red Sea. Based on the analysis of the case studies conclusions have been drawn concerning the effect on environmental degradation and how this subsequently affect the other two areas of sustainable development, social and economic development, in the long – term. The results of the paper show that the tourism industry, although it may have short – term positive social and economic effects, have long – term overall negative effects. The focus on long – term development here is critical for this conclusion, since sustainable development implies long – term development through which the current generation can fulfil their needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to fulfil theirs. If the tourism industry continues their current practices of environmental degradation, it will destroy the very environment on which the industry relies for many of its activities but also the very environment on which humanity relies. Environmental degradation of the Red Sea in particular also affects the fishing industry which is another important sector of the Egyptian economy. A loss of revenue both within the sector itself, and other economic sectors relying on the environment may lead to increased unemployment and thus a decrease in general social well – being. This demonstrates how the tourism industry can have long – term negative economic and social effects on the society as a whole. Lastly, the discussion brings up the issue that political instability causes to the tourism sector and the relationship between them. A faltering tourism industry as a result of environmental degradation can contribute to further political unrest due to increased environmental and economic difficulties, thus creating a vicious cycle of negative effects. This clearly demonstrates the importance of developing sustainable practices within the tourism industry, not just for economic reasons within the industry, but for the stability of the Egyptian society as a whole.Show less
The politics of indigenous people in such a diverse and extended territory like India, and the meaning of holding an indigenous identity, are facts of primary importance to a country that poses its...Show moreThe politics of indigenous people in such a diverse and extended territory like India, and the meaning of holding an indigenous identity, are facts of primary importance to a country that poses its basis on principles of equality, democracy and inclusiveness. The following thesis will therefore analyse and investigate the indigenous policies carried out, in specific, in the northeast territory of India. To do so, two main approach will be taken, which will analyse two elements that seem to characterise this geographic region: instability and location. The first term is linked to the recent Indian Lok Sabha Elections of 2019. The second is related to the international border in which indigenous tribes of this area are living.Show less
The economic benefits brought by Indonesia’s palm oil industry come with significant environmental costs including yearly forest fires and transboundary haze. The slow progress of state regulatory...Show moreThe economic benefits brought by Indonesia’s palm oil industry come with significant environmental costs including yearly forest fires and transboundary haze. The slow progress of state regulatory efforts spurred some international private stakeholders to form a private multi-stakeholder governance institution; the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which uses market-driven instruments such as sustainability certification to promote environmentally sound practices among its members. Using a mix-method design analyses on interviews, meeting minutes, attendance records and other primary and secondary data, the thesis assesses RSPO against three global political economy schools of thought: neoclassical, statist and critical political economy. The findings support the neoclassical perspective to a certain extent as they show that RSPO has gradually built a robust and comprehensive sustainability certification system with a strong focus on peatland management and protection. RSPO achieves its progress, despite the voluntary nature of its membership, by establishing a strong foundation of democratic governance within its decision-making processes. However, the thesis also finds an imbalance of political power between the different membership sectors in RSPO’s internal governance and an accumulation of authority in the hands of a few influential members that have resulted in marginalization of certain stakeholders, most notably the Indonesian growers and civil societies. The perceived lack of political representation of Indonesian stakeholders in RSPO - an institution that purports to ‘govern’ one of the most lucrative industries in the nation - seems to validate the statists’ notion that PMG institutions seek to reduce and replace the role of the state. This exclusivity has led to the formation of a rival certification system by the state: The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil.Show less
The research problem of this thesis stems from the increasing trend of employing the abstract concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ in the management plans of World Heritage...Show moreThe research problem of this thesis stems from the increasing trend of employing the abstract concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ in the management plans of World Heritage Sites or archaeological cultural heritage management projects. To find out whether the use of these concept has actual implications, or they are just another “buzz word”. Therefore, the main research question of this thesis is: To what extent is a sustainable approach implemented in the management of the Bulgarian World Heritage Site – the Kazanlak Thracian tomb? To answer this question, the methodology uses three types of methods – direct observation, document analysis (World Heritage Site management plan), and semi-structured interviews with four stakeholders from both local and national level of the management system. As theoretical methodologies designed to analyse the social problem of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ and its transmission into cultural heritage management plans is still underdeveloped. The criteria were refined based on issues raised in a review of literature on the subject and attempts to provide a practical approach that can easily move between data and theory. The aims of the thesis are threefold. The first aim is to contextualise the meaning of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ within the context of World Heritage Site management. The second aim is to present a working methodology for conducting sustainability analysis while using qualitative data. The third aim is to apply the research methodology to the case of the Kazanlak Thracian tomb and evaluate its limitations. The triangulation of the results from the direct qualitative analysis challenges the strong emphasis that is positioned to the tangible aspects of the Kazanlak Thracian tomb. Therefore, the final discussion argues that the top-down approach and the highly hierarchical system are blocking the implementation of a sustainable approach in the management of the Kazanlak Thracian tomb.Show less
The Tehri dam in Uttarakhand, India, is one of the tallest dams in the world. Its purpose is to generate energy and to facilitate irrigation and water supply, mainly to Delhi. The dam has become...Show moreThe Tehri dam in Uttarakhand, India, is one of the tallest dams in the world. Its purpose is to generate energy and to facilitate irrigation and water supply, mainly to Delhi. The dam has become controversial because of the forced resettlement of over 100,000 people, damage to the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas, seismic activity in the region and the reduced flow of the Bhagirathi River, which is considered to be part of the holy Ganges. The struggle over the Tehri dam does not only concern local issues, as it is at the same time a conflict of ideas concerning different conceptions of the meaning of “development”.Show less
