文摘
This thesis examines oil exploration in the Toledo District of Southern Belize,the site of a complex natural resource conflict where economic interests and cultural values are tied to the same tract of land and natural resources. The analysis focuses on tensions surrounding oil exploration in Sarstoon-Temash National Park,an area traditionally used and occupied by indigenous Maya and Garifuna communities. Oil exploration in the park is the focal point of conflict between the Government of Belize,US Capital Energy Belize,and Maya rights activists for whom oil exploration symptomatizes the inequities of the Belizean development paradigm. The research uses stakeholder analysis as a research tool to analyze the economic,political,and social context of the conflict,depict the interests,values,and positions of the disputing parties,as well as the cultural,psychological,and institutional barriers that impede conflict resolution.