The extractive embrace: shifting expectations of conservation and extraction in the Guiana Shield

This paper demonstrates what the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative would have to do satisfy expectations of its diverse, local stakeholders. It connects unmet REDD+ with a deepening reliance on extractive activity in Guiana Shield. In it, I argue that activity, which has always been most significant driver deforestation ecoregion, is further overtaking REDD+’s capacity for meeting development aspirations due combined failure deliver vast amounts promised funding alter unsustainable paths subsequent announcements major oil discoveries territorial waters These arguments are based data collected early phases readiness through multi-sited ethnography, analyzed combination Foucauldian discourse analysis governmentality. use critical represent regional interpretations governmentality tease out embedded these discourses. supports my identification accomplish be deemed successful Guyana Suriname, only two participating countries entirely within turn, this improves understandings relationship between failed or failing conservation initiatives intensification activity.