glenn ismael ymata regional assembly of artisanal fisherfolk cbcrm and trade conference kolongan...
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CBCRM OR TECHNOFACISM?
Glenn Ismael YmataRegional Assembly of Artisanal Fisherfolk
CBCRM and Trade ConferenceKolongan Beach Indah Hotel
Malalayang Dua, Manado, Indonesia
May 10-13, 2009
What is Technofacism
Techno – short term for “technocrats”
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Facism – being facist
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“TECHNOFACISM”
The Technocrats
Technocracy is a governmental or organizational system where decision makers are selected based upon how highly knowledgeable they are (technocrats), rather than how much political capital they hold.
Technocrats are primarily driven by their cognitive "problem-solution mindsets" and only in part by particular occupational group interests.
Being Technocratic
Technocracy is often thought of as administration of scientists and engineers
In all cases technical and leadership skills are selected through bureaucratic processes on the basis of specialized knowledge and performance, rather than democratic process
Hence, in a technocratic system, social policy is being designed and decided by political scientists or the bureaucrats
Facism
An governmental system where there is lack of freedom and oppression is explicit
Malevolent totalitarianism – systems and policies are imposed with complete dictatorship
Consultation is not needed
Hence technofacism is… A governance where political leaders or
scientists execute policy actions by themselves alone and without due consultation from the constituents
It is a mode of thinking and conduct which treats people not as subject but merely as an object of intervention
It is a mode of thinking and conduct that upholds the primacy of technology and science in solving the limitations imposed by the finite satellite we are in, even if part of it involves social issues
Hence technofacism results to…
Technofacist solutions that are implemented in a very authoritarian fashion
Though, there are technofacist solutions that invite participation but only with the intention to minimize costs and to make it appear as “inclusive” or “empowering”
The WOC2009 and How It Came
EARTH SUMMIT
(UNFCCC)
KYOTO CONVENTION
(Dec 1997)
UN Conference on Environment and
Development(June 1992)
World Meteorological Organization
UN Environment Programme
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (1988)
UN Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS)
Global Ocean Observing System
Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission
Agenda 21
What is WOC2009?
It is a forum for the world community to discuss current issues in the marine field which are related to climate change, and how the world can wisely utilize the ocean to weather crisis
It is expected to create a more aligned global vision and commitments from participating governments and institutions to work together to improve marine resource management.
What are the premises? The climate system and the pressure to the
world’s oceans have dramatically changed since UNCLOS in 1982
UNCLOS did not really address the ways in which governments manage maritime affaires related to the impacts of global climate change on the oceans
The role of the oceans in the phenomena of global climate change
The world experienced economic recessions and crises since 1982
What are the premises? The Asian Financial crisis in 1997 and global
recession today have caused major upsets to the ocean
The recent global recession will threaten the oceans as well because poverty and unemployment will turn global populations to seek means of subsistence from the oceans.
Over fishing and in manners that destruct the ecosystem of the ocean, pollutions and coastal degradation have terribly impacted the balance of marine ecosystem.
Key Issues to Address
There are a number of key issues to be discussed in relation to the WOC2009 theme, including:
Climate change impacts The role of the oceans in regulating
climate change Adaptation and mitigation measures Opportunities for regional and
international cooperation
WOC2009 Targets Increased cooperation between nations in
order to manage marine resources in the context of climate change
Increased understanding across the global community regarding the vital role of the oceans in regulating global climate
Increased global attention to the need to save small islands and coastal areas as part of facing up to global climate change
WOC2009 Targets
Increased commitment from international bodies and intergovernmental organizations to protect and conserve fisheries resources to ensure food security
Increased preparedness to mitigate disasters caused by climate change
Increased capacity at community level, especially coastal and small island communities, to adapt to the effects of climate change
But What It Really Does?
It is a forum of State Leaders, Senior Officials and Scientists (Marine, Climatologists, High Profile Organizations, etc) No representation from the “real”
stakeholders No consultations done in the developing of
the concept and the agenda
But What It Really Does?
It was bourne out by not by what should be done but what are the opportunities for financial accessAdaptation Fund Board of the UNWB FinancingADB Financing
But What It Really Does?
It is “ocean-centered” not “people-centered”precautionary approach versus food security
and social development of coastal communities
community people is not seen as the major role player but just “partners”
But What It Really Does?
Although the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities is stated, there is no clear and strong provision that would set this concretely It discusses more on what the developing
countries should do and not on the culpability of the developed countries who are to blame for massive exploitation and degradation of marine resources and ecosystem
But What It Really Does?
Actions to be take are more on pure science aspect and social development components are piecemeal and token in natureGreater investment in coastal and ocean
observing systemsResearch and scientific assessment of
ocean conditionsLarge scale restoration approach
In the Final Analysis?
WOC Agenda is environmental but not developmental
It does not address the property right and empowerment and poverty issues
Instead, it will just shift large fishing grounds from open-access to a “no-fishing” zone
It will be a business mainly by the technocrats and a milking cow of billions of dollars that will be infused to these projects, mostly from debt
The Root of the Problem is… Responses should not be focused mainly on the
Climate Change problem Degradation of coastal resources is a result improper
utilization and too much exploitation of our coastal resources
The root of the problem lies not on “people-to-resources” but on “people-to-people” relationship
The imbalance in power and property relations does not only produce and reproduce other socio-economic imbalances but also gave birth, and is giving birth, to the precarious state of the natural environment today
Hence, It Should be like this… Recognition of the basic “property rights”
problem Resolution of the socio-economic and
political issues within the context of realities
People in coastal communities must have greater control and access to resources
To achieve this,
what then should be the key?
The answer lies in YOU!