EJMapping
Counter-mapping environmental just conflicts in the European periphery: The case of Portugal
This project addresses theoretical and methodological gaps in Environmental justice (EJ) studies through qualitative-quantitative participatory-action research (PAR) of EJ conflicts in Portugal, analyzed through a decolonial/south framework. Our main objectives are to enrich the theory of EJ, develop a comprehensive analysis of the state of EJ conflicts in Portugal, and identify solutions to advance transitions towards equitable and ecologically-sustainable development.
The overall objective of this project is to generate actionable knowledge that contributes to addressing environmental injustices, and to promote pathways for transformative, “just sustainability” (or: “just transitions”), while simultaneously enriching the conceptual and methods applied to these conflicts. Specifically, we aim to:
- Contribute to an expanded conceptualization and understanding of environmental justice by diversifying and enriching the theories, methods and geographies of EJ studies;
- Document the main social, economic and environmental impacts and injustices experienced by communities facing environmental conflicts and the factors that enable communities to respond to these;
- Analyze the historical evolution of EJ conflicts in Portugal according to changing socio- political- and economic contexts, comparting the post-dictatorship ‘democratic transition’ period, marked by the emergence of environmental policies, with the current period, marked by a consolidated democracy and the EU Green Deal policies;
- Identify movements’ visions, action strategies, alliances and outcomes, and their implications for pathways to just transitions (i.e. to social justice and sustainability);
- Identify responses from institutional actors (local, national and European authorities and involved corporations), including documenting repressions and other legal and human rights violations, as well as instances that marginalized people’s rights are upheld and sustainable development achieved in such conflicts;
- Compare and contrast the mainstream narratives from actors favoring ongoing projects and policies in contexts of EJ conflicts, and the counter-narratives from those resisting these projects and creating alternative initiatives, to understand how these different actors define environmental justice and sustainable development.
FEDER