For traditional island communities in the Nicobar archipelago, complete no-go areas are the most effective form of marine management

Unpacking the interface of modernization, development and sustainability in Indigenous Guna communities of Panama

“…On the other hand, development programmes targeting Indigenous communities should be approach as a State plan through permanent working groups to overcome changing government policy priorities between election cycles and introducing new national government actors unfamiliar with Indigenous peoples’ values and aspirations. This is particularly pertinent in the current context of calls and concerted effort for the self‐determination of Indigenous communities in Latin America (Jacquelin‐Andersen, 2018; Tockman et al, 2015) and elsewhere (Patankar et al, 2016; Tang & Tang, 2010).…”

“…The dysfunctionalities and challenges mentioned above might come as a surprise, considering that the Gunas have been identified as a model for other Indigenous communities considering their strong institutions and large autonomy, which are usually perceived to be strong barriers to the negative aspects of unchecked modernization processes (Apgar et al, 2015; Karst & Nepal, 2019) (see also Section 1). In this growing call and concerted efforts for the better self‐determination for Indigenous communities in many parts of Latin America (Jacquelin‐Andersen, 2018; Tockman et al, 2015) and beyond (Patankar et al, 2016; Tang & Tang, 2010) it is useful to identify some of the more critical factors to prevent of mitigate similar challenges.…”

“…Collectively all these mechanisms can reduce appreciably the resilience of Indigenous communities to environmental and socioeconomic shocks (Vaccaro et al, 2009). However, studies have suggested that strong Indigenous institutions and self‐determination can act as a strong barrier against the negative effects of unchecked modernization (Patankar et al, 2016; Tang & Tang, 2010).…”

“…This cautious attitude towards modernization and development initiatives, which are usually pushed by central governments and the private sector, has sometimes branded Indigenous groups as a barrier to development rather than a willing partner (Newman, 2016; Partridge, 2016). It has been suggested that strong Indigenous institutions can help achieve this notion of development under the own agenda of Indigenous communities (Patankar et al, 2016; Tang & Tang, 2010).…”

“…However, studies have suggested that strong Indigenous institutions and self-determination can act as a strong barrier against the negative effects of unchecked modernization (Patankar et al, 2016;Tang & Tang, 2010).…”