Session 4: Transition Dynamics
10th Global Conference
Friday 8th July 2011 – Sunday 10th July 2011
Mansfield College, Oxford, United Kingdom
Genetically Modified Soybeans in Brazil
Kelly Archambeault
American Graduate School in International Relations and Diplomacy in Paris, France
Brazil is the second largest producer of soybeans in the world and until a few years ago, the country had banned the use of Genetically Modified Soybean Seeds within its borders as a precautionary act for fear of the GM seeds links to potential environmental degradation. What provoked Brazil to legalized their use and to now produce the vast majority of its crops with Genetically Modified Soybean Seeds? This paper will analyze the theory of liberalism and free trade as the catalysts for the evolution of the incorporation of chemical technology into the production of produce and therefore a major reason for Brazil eventually legalizing their use.
The use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or Genetically Engineered seeds, for soybeans in particular, has become commonplace in the world of agriculture in the United States and most of South America through the influence of the biotech company Monsanto, who the leading manufacturer of such modified seeds. These seeds allow for faster production of the product with less herbicide usage, but at the cost of no longer being in their original state.
This paper will begin with an analysis of the Green Revolution, which focused on a transfer of technology to less-industrialized states to incorporate the use of pesticides, fertilizers, etc. in farming production. Then, will it shift to an environmental critique a few decades later and the move toward organic farming. Finally, there will be an extensive analysis of the boom of agricultural capitalism and the selling of genetically modified seeds in soybean production by Monsanto to, in particular, Brazil who now exports a large number of GM soybeans each year.
Integrating social and cultural perspectives in natural systems understanding water social management among Indigenous Munda people living in the Sundarban Forest, Bangladesh
Chiara Perucca
University of Liberal Arts of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
A larger role for social sciences and humanities is needed to address the challenges of environmental justice and global citizenship. The social environment plays a crucial role in the functioning of natural systems. Cultural and social logics underlying water management practices need to be documented and disseminated for designing appropriate developmental strategies.
In a predominantly agrarian country like Bangladesh, water is among the most vital resources for livelihood of the majority of the population. Therefore, its availability and optimum use determines the extent of poverty and inclusion of people in the development process.
Munda is an almost unknown and under researched indigenous group living at the borders of the Sunderban Forest. The paper explores the social and cultural dimensions of their deep knowledge of the surrounding ecological environment, focusing on the patterns related to water management. Special relevance is given to the symbolic languages and practices Mundas use to transmit this knowledge through generations and to their perception of the changes the forest’s ecosystem is experiencing (possible causes and implications for their people). The information has been collected through horizontal communication processes, implementing PRA activities. The aim of the research is not only to document a vanishing world view, but to support the recognition of indigenous ecological knowledge and its potential for driving change, being the same dynamic and focused on problem solving. Therefore, the document foster an interdisciplinary and integrated research approach that places natural resources management and environmental justice in a much richer and deeper societal context.
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