Journal article
The Tale of Three Futures: Conquest, Reverence or Reconciliation?
Journal of Futures Studies, Vol.Advanced access
2025
Abstract
This study investigates the contrasting futures of river governance within urban landscapes through colonial and decolonial lenses. By employing Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), the research unpacks the deep-seated epistemological and ontological frameworks that shape our interactions with rivers. The colonial perspective, rooted in conquest and exploitation, views rivers as mere resources for economic gain. This often leads to long-term environmental degradation and socio-cultural disruption. Conversely, the decolonial approach advocates for reverence, recognizing rivers as living entities with intrinsic rights and spiritual significance. The third space, the transcolonial view seeks for hybridity as rivers are neither pure objects nor solely sacred entities. The research highlights the urgency of shifting from exploitative practices to frameworks that prioritize ecological integrity and cultural respect. By juxtaposing these three narratives, the study calls for a radical rethinking of how we engage with rivers in urban settings, proposing that the future health of both rivers and cities depends on our ability to embrace principles of coexistence and mutual respect.
Details
- Title
- The Tale of Three Futures: Conquest, Reverence or Reconciliation?
- Authors
- Shermon Cruz - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Publication details
- Journal of Futures Studies, Vol.Advanced access
- Publisher
- Tamkang University, Graduate Institute of Futures Studies
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991127605702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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