Dams, neoliberalism, and rights: Mainstreaming environmental justice claims

Marina Kaneti

Sustainable Development, 2020, vol. 28, issue 2, 424-434

Abstract: Dams have a contentious reputation. Symbols of independence, progress, and prosperity to some, they are a lived reality of displacement, obliteration of sacred sites, and environmental degradation to others. Given the massive expansion of dam construction in recent years, this article engages in a critical assessment of the institutional limitations to dam opposition and explores alternative venues for anti‐dam mobilization and the voicing of claims to environmental justice. The article argues that a potentially effective means of dam opposition requires the alignment of both environmental justice and rights claims with mainstream societal conversations and government priorities. In order to resonate with a broader community vision of national interests and priorities, anti‐dam opposition also needs to integrate a message of collective duties and responsibilities.

Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:28:y:2020:i:2:p:424-434

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