Scholars’ Reports

Preserving Nature: Local Engagement in National Parks around the world

May 31, 2009
By Sam McAleese, Northwestern University

Sam McAleese

In a globalized society, National Parks around the world face seemingly insurmountable problems as they struggle to fulfill their original mandates of preservation and protection.  To quote Australian naturalist Henry Nix, “the early 21^st century will see the end of opportunity to preserve pristine or near-pristine environments.”

This end of opportunity, stemming from a myriad of problems ranging from global pollution to increased tourism, leaves countries searching for innovative ways to manage National Parks.  Shrinking budgets and increasing populations have forced national parks to work more closely with local communities than at any time in the past 150 years.

This paper compares seven attempts by national parks around the world to confront the many issues that arise from the forced interaction of communities and national parks.  I compare national parks in Peru, Chile, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Tanzania, and South Africa that provide a unique perspective on the struggles of national parks to conserve the world’s natural and cultural heritages.

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Forgive and Forget? A Comparative Study of Post-Conflict Reconciliation

May 31, 2009
By Sabala Basker, Georgetown University

Sabala Siva Baskar, 2009 Scholar & Elspeth Williams, 2007 Scholar, in front of the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda

After a society experiences a bloody communal conflict, the most important question is how to move forward after the fighting has stopped. The process of reconciliation is essential to the pursuit of international security. By understanding the factors that help a country move forward after conflict, societies can work towards a more stable peace for the future.

In their 2004 report entitled Reconciliation: A Working Definition, researchers Brandon Hamber and Gráinne Kelly identify the following five elements of successful post-conflict reconciliation: developing a shared vision of an interdependent and fair society; acknowledging and dealing with the past; building positive relationships; significant cultural and attitudinal change; and substantial social, economic and political change.

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A Race to the Bottom? Understanding the Impact of IT-Enabled Services in Less Developed Countries

May 31, 2009
By Jefferson M. Steele, Princeton University

Jefferson M. Steele

This paper analyzes the impact of IT-enabled services (ITES) in less developed countries (LDCs). The increase in service offshoring over the last decade has lead to a backlash against multinational corporations (MNCs) and widespread fear of millions of job losses. The majority of research has focused on how the globalization of services has affected developed countries such as the United States and the countries of Western Europe.

I discuss the effects of ITES in LDCs at the macroeconomic level, the firm level, and the employee level. By analyzing the positive and negative effects of MNCs operating in less developed countries, this paper informs the debate that entered the mainstream after the release of Thomas Friedman’s 2005 book The World is Flat.

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A Global View of Marine Debris

May 31, 2009
By Gabrielle Kleber, Michigan State University

Gabrielle Kleber

As a newly discovered environmental concern, the topic of marine debris has remained under-reported and is only recently gaining public attention. With peaked interest and ample concern, I wanted to contribute to the research regarding marine debris as well as the movement to inform the public of the pressing issue.

Thus, it was with ease that I chose the topic of my research proposal for the Circumnavigators Club Foundation Grant. My focus was to gain a global understanding of marine debris, particularly coastal rubbish, as it is likely an issue of greater magnitude and social relevance.

By visiting coastal areas to survey beaches, speak with experts and gain an understanding of the localsâ’ thoughts, I’d hoped to assess the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of marine debris on coastal settlements worldwide. I also looked into the prevalence and effectiveness of governmentally and non-governmentally sponsored mitigation and prevention efforts at each location.

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