From Global Conservation Norms to Local Practices: Exploring the Conservation of Charismatic Megafauna in Indonesia

This thesis examines the translation of global environmental norms within an individual nation state right down to the grassroots level. It combines case studies of the conservation of two 'charismatic megafauna' - the Komodo dragon and the orangutan - in Indonesia, with a critical engagement with social constructivist international relations literature In both case studies, the interactions between the national, provincial, and local levels within the conservation matrix are explored through a qualitative methodology based on interviews with key actors and documentary analysis. The analysis reveals that national-level practices have hooked into prominent global conservation norms, but that translation through to the provincial and local levels has proved problematic. Factors that have shaped the transmission of these norms include competing responsibilities and goals across national ministries, particular characteristics of the species and their geographical surroundings, and the historical construction of species identity. The overall argument is that the adoption of international standards of conservation within Indonesia has been shaped by significant internal structures and localised factors. This finding suggests that a better understanding of these local factors, which have been largely neglected in the assessment of conservation strategy, might help improve future global conservation policy. The thesis makes a significant contribution to the wider understanding of global norms, conservation policy and Indonesian policy making.