title: Challenges to Implementing Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) as a Bottom up Development Approach in the Sinharaja Rain Forest (Sri Lanka)

authors: Halvitigala Ihala Gamage, Chaminda Kumara

subjects: Community Based Ecotourism

abstract: Community based ecotourism (CBET) is a well-established concept and its implementation has been an important component for many regional development strategies. This thesis argues that CBET originated as a Western concept, and there are many successful CBET projects. However, CBET operates within geo-political, economic and cultural contexts, which generate challenges for its implementation. This research examines a CBET initiative in the Kudawa- Sinharaja site, Sri Lanka which shifted in 1995 from a central government approach to a community forest informed master plan, in line with Western CBET development models. This case study therefore provides the opportunity to explore the success of this CBET project.
A qualitative approach has principally guided this research together with statistics to examine the socio-cultural, socio-economic and geo-political context. A total of 293 participants have informed this research, which includes 193 interviews (115 individuals, and 15 different focus groups totalling 78 people) and 100 questionnaire respondents. These participants were surveyed during late 2012 and early 2013, and included both domestic and overseas tourists, local community residents and tourist operators, tourism consultants, and government officials.
One of the main findings is that despite plans being developed at a community level, the wider context includes superimposed capitalism, which dominates and counteracts the ideologies of CBET. Superimposed capitalism results in individualistic and competitive behaviours that undermine the collaborative community approach. It encourages poaching and the selling of rare flora and fauna (biopiracy), and results in anthropogenic disturbances to nature. The influence of “drug-sex’ tourism, associated with superimposed capitalism, creates potential for further socio-cultural issues. This research also highlights the strong influence of geo-politics, which operates at both the international and domestic scale. National political conflicts in Sri Lanka have been extreme in recent times and this has generated security related issues for both residents and tourists. Political corruption, access to funds, and the lack of established decision making processes are also associated with geo-politics. This research also underlines the influence of the socio-cultural context such as gender inequality and caste discrimination, which substantially disempower certain people. 
The thesis concludes that CBET is an appropriate pathway for tourism development in Sri Lanka but recognition of the above problems is required and they need to be addressed, in particular, superimposed capitalism. A well-defined monitoring system and an effective legal framework to control adverse effects are important for achieving CBET goals.  The findings of this research will inform CBET in similar developing countries, but caution is required because the geo-political, economic and cultural context is different in every country.

text: Challenges to Implementing Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) as a Bottom up Development Approach in the Sinharaja Rain Forest (Sri Lanka) Community based ecotourism (CBET) is a well-established concept and its implementation has been an important component for many regional development strategies. This thesis argues that CBET originated as a Western concept, and there are many successful CBET projects. However, CBET operates within geo-political, economic and cultural contexts, which generate challenges for its implementation. This research examines a CBET initiative in the Kudawa- Sinharaja site, Sri Lanka which shifted in 1995 from a central government approach to a community forest informed master plan, in line with Western CBET development models. This case study therefore provides the opportunity to explore the success of this CBET project.
A qualitative approach has principally guided this research together with statistics to examine the socio-cultural, socio-economic and geo-political context. A total of 293 participants have informed this research, which includes 193 interviews (115 individuals, and 15 different focus groups totalling 78 people) and 100 questionnaire respondents. These participants were surveyed during late 2012 and early 2013, and included both domestic and overseas tourists, local community residents and tourist operators, tourism consultants, and government officials.
One of the main findings is that despite plans being developed at a community level, the wider context includes superimposed capitalism, which dominates and counteracts the ideologies of CBET. Superimposed capitalism results in individualistic and competitive behaviours that undermine the collaborative community approach. It encourages poaching and the selling of rare flora and fauna (biopiracy), and results in anthropogenic disturbances to nature. The influence of “drug-sex’ tourism, associated with superimposed capitalism, creates potential for further socio-cultural issues. This research also highlights the strong influence of geo-politics, which operates at both the international and domestic scale. National political conflicts in Sri Lanka have been extreme in recent times and this has generated security related issues for both residents and tourists. Political corruption, access to funds, and the lack of established decision making processes are also associated with geo-politics. This research also underlines the influence of the socio-cultural context such as gender inequality and caste discrimination, which substantially disempower certain people. 
The thesis concludes that CBET is an appropriate pathway for tourism development in Sri Lanka but recognition of the above problems is required and they need to be addressed, in particular, superimposed capitalism. A well-defined monitoring system and an effective legal framework to control adverse effects are important for achieving CBET goals.  The findings of this research will inform CBET in similar developing countries, but caution is required because the geo-political, economic and cultural context is different in every country.

year: 2016

title: Unheard voices: Adults with ADHD in Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Murray, Amy Jo

subjects: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well-researched condition within multiple editions of the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM). Historically, ADHD was believed to be a childhood condition that typically diminished in adolescence. However, current research confirms that not only does ADHD often continue into adulthood, but its impact also has a cumulative effect over the lifespan. Consequently, adults not diagnosed in childhood are a growing demographic of ADHD diagnoses. Within this growing demographic, there is little research on the lived experiences of adults with ADHD, and none were found in Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose of this study was to explore the similar and differing lived and ableist experiences between groups of adults who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and those who suspect they have ADHD. Data were collected from eight participants (two from each diagnosis group) using online survey software and online one-to-one interviews. The study used a mixed-method design, and data were interpreted using hermeneutic phenomenology and critical disability theory frameworks to explore participants' lived experiences with ADHD. Findings revealed some differences in life trajectories and between-group experiences of participants with diagnosed or suspected ADHD. However, most experiences revealed a commonality centred around feelings of frustration, rejection, shame, and the lack of personal agency. These experiences and normative social discourses prompted participants to actively police and mask their behaviours and ADHD characteristics. Participants reported lacking crucial knowledge to navigate life internally and externally with ADHD due to the absence of relevant guidance and support. The impact of these internal and external difficulties was compounded by the ableism they faced related to their ADHD. Early ADHD diagnosis followed by comprehensive ADHD information and support within the broader community, i.e. educators and health professionals, would have facilitated more positive lived experiences according to participants. This study indicates that early information, treatment, and support could mitigate the unseen personal toll associated with having ADHD. Additionally, the results highlight the need for further research to understand better the most needed supports and how they might best be made available.

text: Unheard voices: Adults with ADHD in Aotearoa New Zealand Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well-researched condition within multiple editions of the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM). Historically, ADHD was believed to be a childhood condition that typically diminished in adolescence. However, current research confirms that not only does ADHD often continue into adulthood, but its impact also has a cumulative effect over the lifespan. Consequently, adults not diagnosed in childhood are a growing demographic of ADHD diagnoses. Within this growing demographic, there is little research on the lived experiences of adults with ADHD, and none were found in Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose of this study was to explore the similar and differing lived and ableist experiences between groups of adults who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and those who suspect they have ADHD. Data were collected from eight participants (two from each diagnosis group) using online survey software and online one-to-one interviews. The study used a mixed-method design, and data were interpreted using hermeneutic phenomenology and critical disability theory frameworks to explore participants' lived experiences with ADHD. Findings revealed some differences in life trajectories and between-group experiences of participants with diagnosed or suspected ADHD. However, most experiences revealed a commonality centred around feelings of frustration, rejection, shame, and the lack of personal agency. These experiences and normative social discourses prompted participants to actively police and mask their behaviours and ADHD characteristics. Participants reported lacking crucial knowledge to navigate life internally and externally with ADHD due to the absence of relevant guidance and support. The impact of these internal and external difficulties was compounded by the ableism they faced related to their ADHD. Early ADHD diagnosis followed by comprehensive ADHD information and support within the broader community, i.e. educators and health professionals, would have facilitated more positive lived experiences according to participants. This study indicates that early information, treatment, and support could mitigate the unseen personal toll associated with having ADHD. Additionally, the results highlight the need for further research to understand better the most needed supports and how they might best be made available.

year: 2021

title: Composition Portfolio

authors: Ulenberg, Phillippa

subjects: composition portfolio

abstract: The music written for this portfolio offers creative answers to some of the challenges facing contemporary New Zealand composition, including multiculturalism.This has involved in-depth research using a variety of methods. Engagement was undertaken with linguists and musicians from Malaysia and Korea, who not only assisted with texts, but also spoke knowledgeably about their cultural traditions and past and present musical genres. The inclusion of Chinese gu-zheng in several of the works was made possible with the assistance given by Chen Xi Yao, an excellent performer who comes from a long lineage of musicians. Attending concerts given by performers of the instruments that have been used in the portfolio was essential to understanding the sounds and uses of the instruments. In addition, on-line sources include many examples of the sounds. Attendance at workshops on Māori taonga pūoro also brought the additional honour, benefits and experience of making and playing the instruments, and the opportunities to meet and work with leading makers and performers of these musical treasures. Sources of Western classical music that have been particularly influential during the writing of the portfolio are orchestral works by Igor Stravinsky, Samuel Barber and Param Vir, and the song cycles of Alban Berg and Benjamin Britten. Luciano Berio’s virtuosic piece for solo bassoon was also instructive. Experiences of composition, reflection and scholarly research underpin the portfolio and have have informed the composition of each work.

text: Composition Portfolio The music written for this portfolio offers creative answers to some of the challenges facing contemporary New Zealand composition, including multiculturalism.This has involved in-depth research using a variety of methods. Engagement was undertaken with linguists and musicians from Malaysia and Korea, who not only assisted with texts, but also spoke knowledgeably about their cultural traditions and past and present musical genres. The inclusion of Chinese gu-zheng in several of the works was made possible with the assistance given by Chen Xi Yao, an excellent performer who comes from a long lineage of musicians. Attending concerts given by performers of the instruments that have been used in the portfolio was essential to understanding the sounds and uses of the instruments. In addition, on-line sources include many examples of the sounds. Attendance at workshops on Māori taonga pūoro also brought the additional honour, benefits and experience of making and playing the instruments, and the opportunities to meet and work with leading makers and performers of these musical treasures. Sources of Western classical music that have been particularly influential during the writing of the portfolio are orchestral works by Igor Stravinsky, Samuel Barber and Param Vir, and the song cycles of Alban Berg and Benjamin Britten. Luciano Berio’s virtuosic piece for solo bassoon was also instructive. Experiences of composition, reflection and scholarly research underpin the portfolio and have have informed the composition of each work.

year: 2011