Department or Program

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This thesis explores the pairing of Rwanda’s unique human history and rare mountain gorilla population, through analyzing the ways in which the development of the gorilla tourism industry has impacted peacebuilding in Rwanda. With an introduction to a positive peace paradigm in chapter one, the framework and foundation of the thesis is set. The selected paradigm splits the remainder of the thesis into three major sections – environmental consequences, social consequences, and economic consequences. Each of these chapters investigate the ways in which the gorilla tourism industry has impacted peacebuilding within the environmental, social, and economic spheres of Rwanda. Through exploration of these three facets, this thesis works to evaluate the negative and positive consequences, which inevitably influence the viability of positive peace in Rwanda. Through thorough investigation it becomes apparent that the gorilla tourism has contributed in numerous ways to the presence of peace, while also creating unforeseen tensions.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

Date of Graduation

5-2016

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

87

Restricted

Available to Bates community via local IP address or Bates login.

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