Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Program Name/Specialization

Environmental Resource Management

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Dr. D.S. Slocombe

Advisor Role

Advisor

Second Advisor

Dr. D. Armitage

Advisor Role

Committee Member

Third Advisor

Dr. A. Latta

Advisor Role

Committee Member

Abstract

While efforts toward environmental management (EM) have been increasing, the state of our natural world is getting worse. Numerous reports have outlined that today’s environmental problems are predominantly human-induced, yet approaches to EM often only address “environmental” rather than “human” issues. More holistic approaches are required. This thesis explores “ecological citizenship” (EC) as an alternative framework that may have the potential to address elements too often left out of top-down and reductionist approaches. Academic and case-based notions of this concept are explored, and a new definition for the term is developed. A case study, drawn from the rich results of in-depth interviews, and analyzed and presented using social-ecological systems theory, examines the dynamics of ecological citizenship in southwest Yukon and how they have been shaped by formal and informal institutions over time. Results have indicated the importance of addressing human-based components across all scales, whereby internal virtues are shaped by elements closer to home: community values, education, and time spent on the land; and external behaviours are often affected by systemic structures and institutions. Systemic and institutional elements are considered to play a positive role when they foster participation, awareness, and/or a culture of respect. The highest results are believed to be achieved when a culture of environmentalism is reflected in all social and institutional structures and brought together by a high-level integrated governance plan that utilizes democratic and community-oriented decision-making processes.

Convocation Year

2020

Convocation Season

Spring

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