Towards a Synthesized Critique of Neoliberal Biodiversity Conservation

Article by Bram Büscher

The article appears in Capitalism, Nature Socialism 23, 2: 4-30

It is written jointly with Sian Sullivan, Katja Neves, Jim Igoe, and Dan Brockington.

Abstract

The paper provides a synthesized critique of neoliberal biodeversity conservation, focusing on neoliberal conservation as an amalgamation of ideology and techniques informed by the premise that natures can
only be ‘‘saved’’ through their submission to capital and its subsequent revaluation in capitalist terms.

The authors attempt to synthesize the wider lessons of the emerging literature on neoliberal conservation. They attempt to provide a clearer picture of what is meant by neoliberal conservation, how it relates to
literatures on neoliberal nature, ecology and environments, and why it bears relevance for those interested in biodiversity conservation and human/nature entanglements.

About Bram Büscher

Bram Büscher is Associate Professor of Environment and Sustainable Development at ISS.

Focusing on Southern Africa in particular, his current research interests revolve around transfrontier conservation and conservation/development interventions, green neoliberalism/capitalism, (eco)tourism and the political economy of energy.