Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Dean, Erin
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
This thesis looks at the degradation and restoration of the Everglades ecosystem, through the framework of settler colonialism. The Everglades region has a unique settler colonial structure, known as the South Florida Water Management District, which controls water resources and the livelihood of indigenous people in the Everglades. The settler colonial structure has created water quantity conflict between the stakeholders in the Everglades, revolving around the closing of flood gates to protect the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow, as water quality conflicts revolving around agricultural pollutants in the Everglades, in the present day. This thesis attempts to address these issues of water management by creating recommendations for a Co-management plan of the Big Cypress National Preserve, a federally protected area in south Florida. The thesis concludes by looking forwards to where the Everglades will be in a world of sea level rise and increased flooding, as well as how future conservation movements can uplift indigenous people.
Recommended Citation
Jefferis, Colin, "Where's the Water? Indigenous Sovereignty and Co-management in the Everglades" (2024). Theses & ETDs. 6555.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6555