CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Anastasia Van Der Meer |
|---|---|
| Title | Just Green Urban Transitions: Analysing Multispecies Justice in Mexico City Multispecies Justice in Urban Greening and Urban Nature Governance |
| Summary | This thesis investigates the intersection of urban greening and multispecies justice from a more-than-human (MTH) perspective in Mexico City (CDMX). The study addresses a critical gap in existing research, which predominantly focuses on the human-centric implications of urban greening, such as gentrification and human well-being, while neglecting the needs and well-being of non-human life forms. By exploring notions of multispecies justice (MSJ), this research highlights the interconnectedness of human and non-human life within urban environments and advocates for a more inclusive approach to urban greening initiatives. The research employs an exploratory qualitative case-study methodology, incorporating 4 site visits, 2 events, and 15 interviews with urban planners, landscape architects, nature conservationists, local communities, traditional agriculturalists, lawyers, policy makers, activists, and NGOs in CDMX. Data collection also includes a systematic review of literature of 140 articles, historical accounts, and urban ecosystem mapping. The findings reveal that although initiatives like the Plan Verde (Green Plan) show promise in promoting ecological justice, their implementation is often inconsistent and fragmented. Moreover, there is a disparity in recognizing various forms of nature, emphasizing the need for a more coordinated and decolonial governance approach. Key findings suggest that effective urban greening initiatives should integrate traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to promote a holistic and inclusive approach to ecological justice. This study underscores the importance of community involvement and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing MSJ. Local communities are identified as crucial stakeholders in environmental governance, ensuring continuity and fostering a sense of identity and belonging. The research also highlights the potential of the Rights of Nature legislation as a framework for promoting MSJ in urban environments, though its success depends on coordinated societal efforts. A hybrid governance approach, emphasizing community participation and interdisciplinary collaboration, emerges as a viable solution for bridging policy intent and practical realities. Ultimately, the thesis calls for a paradigm shift in urban governance towards a more holistic and inclusive approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of human and more-than-human worlds. By prioritizing the voices and needs of both human and non-human inhabitants, urban greening initiatives can foster a more equitable and sustainable coexistence in urban environments. The findings advocate for tangible actions and collaborative efforts across diverse sectors to address socio-ecological injustices and promote a pluriversal approach to MSJ in urban settings. |
| Supervisor | Yuliya Voytenko Palgan |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/vandermeer_anastasia.pdf |
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