The environmentalism of the subalterns: a case study of environmental activism in Eastern Kurdistan/Rojhelat

Abstract

Similarly to other places around the globe, Kurdistan has its environmental challenges, some of which are climate change-related and others of which are more local and specific. Nevertheless, in both cases, Kurdish environmental activists, organised in environmental NGOs, are the protectors of Kurdistan’s natural environment. The study focuses on the emergence and objectives of environmental activism in Rojhelat/Eastern Kurdistan, arguing that the growth of environmental activism as NGOs is a nascent trend in Rojhelat, and requires an in-depth study of its various aspects. The research aims to conceptualise the Kurdish environmental movement and investigate the socio-political and environmental context in Rojhelat. This study is inspired by the concept of “subaltern environmentalism”, articulating environmental activism as a platform deployed by marginalised communities in their response to intentional environmental discrimination by political and economic elites. Specific focus is placed on the NGO Chya Green Association, and its evolution, activity and discourse.