School project Social science
Topic: how colonialism has affected the forest ‘s biodiversity and the survival of
indigenous communities living in and around the forest.
Table of contents:
➢ Overview
➢ Colonialism and historical context
➢ Impact on forest biodiversity
● Deforestation
● introIntroduction to non Native species
● Hunting and over exploitation of animal
● Mining and resource extraction
● Erosion and soil degradation
● Water pollution
➢ Impact on Indigenous Communities
● Cultural disruption
● Laws of traditional knowledge
● forced labour and exploitation
● health impacts
● Violence and conflicts
Overview
In this project we will discuss how colonialism affected natural vegetation and
survival of indigenous communities living in and around the forest and how it has
some negative effects on forest biodiversity and native tribes living in the forest
Colonialism and Historical Context
the practice by which a powerful country controls another country or countries, in order
to become richer is known as colonialism. It is apractice by which a one group of people,
social construct, or nation state controls, directs, or imposes taxes or tribute on other
people or areas, often by establishing colonies,[1] generally for strategic and economic
advancement of the colonizing group or construct.
Beginning in the 7th century, Arabs colonized a substantial portion of the Middle East,
North Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe. From the 9th century Vikings (Norsemen)
such as Leif Erikson established colonies in Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, North
[26]
America, present-day Russia and Ukraine, France (Normandy) and Sicily. In the 9th
century a new wave of Mediterranean colonisation began, with competitors such as the
Venetians, Genovese and Amalfians infiltrating the wealthy previously Byzantine or
Eastern Roman islands and lands.
European Crusaders set up colonial regimes in Outremer (in the Levant, 1097–1291) and
in the Baltic littoral (12th century onwards). Venice began to dominate Dalmatia and
reached its greatest nominal colonial extent at the conclusion of the Fourth Crusade in
[27]
1204, with the declaration of the acquisition of three octaves of the Byzantine Empire.
The European early modern period began with the Turkish colonization of Anatolia.[28]
After the Ottoman Empire colonialised Constantinople in 1453, the sea routes discovered
by Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460) became central to trade, and
helped fuel the Age of Discovery.
The 17th century saw the birth of the Dutch Empire and French colonial empire, as well as
the English overseas possessions, which later became the British Empire. It also saw the
establishment of Danish overseas colonies and Swedish overseas colonies.
the Russian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire existed at the same time but did not expand
over oceans. Rather, these empires expanded through the conquest of neighbouring
territories. There was, though, some Russian colonization of North America across the
Bering Strait. From the 1860s onwards the Empire of Japan modelled itself on European
colonial empires and expanded its territories in the Pacific and on the Asian mainland.
The Empire of Brazil fought for hegemony in South America.
Impact on forest biodiversity
Colonialism has significantly impacted forest biodiversity and indigenous communities.
The exploitation of natural resources by colonial powers led to deforestation, habitat
destruction, and species extinction.
Here are some of the key ways in which colonialism affected forest biodiversity:
1. Deforestation: Colonial powers often engaged in large-scale deforestation to
meet their economic demands. Forests were cleared for timber, agriculture,
and infrastructure development, leading to the loss of vast tracts of forested
land. This reduced the availability of habitats for various plant and animal
species.
2. Introduction of Non-Native Species: Colonizers sometimes introduced
non-native plant and animal species to new regions, which disrupted local
ecosystems.
3. Hunting and Overexploitation: Colonial powers often engaged in hunting and
overexploitation of forest resources for profit. This included the hunting of
wildlife for fur, ivory, and other valuable resources, leading to declines in many
animal populations.
4. Mining and Resource Extraction: The pursuit of valuable minerals and
resources in forested regions led to extensive mining and resource extraction
activities. This caused habitat destruction, soil and water pollution, and
disturbances to forest ecosystems.
5. Erosion and Soil Degradation: Deforestation and changes in land use often led
to soil erosion and degradation. This negatively impacted the growth of plant
species and the overall health of forest ecosystems.
6. Water Pollution: Mining and resource extraction activities led to water
pollution, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Impact on Indigenous Communities
indigenous communities, who have long depended on forests for their livelihoods and
cultural practices, faced displacement, loss of land rights, and disruption of their
traditional ways of life. The imposition of external systems and economic activities
also disrupted their knowledge systems and self-governance.
Here are some of the key ways in which colonialism affected Indigenous Communities
due to colonisation:
1. Cultural Disruption: Colonial powers often attempted to assimilate or eradicate
indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. This cultural disruption had a
profound impact on the identity and well-being of indigenous communities.
2. Loss of Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous communities possess valuable
traditional knowledge about forest ecosystems, medicinal plants, and
sustainable resource management. Colonialism led to the erosion of this
knowledge
3. Forced Labor and Exploitation: Indigenous people were frequently subjected to
forced labor in colonial enterprises, often under harsh and exploitative
conditions. This resulted in physical and economic hardships for these
communities.
4. Health Impacts: The introduction of new diseases by colonial powers had
devastating consequences for indigenous populations who had no immunity to
these illnesses.
5. Violence and Conflicts: Many indigenous communities faced violence and
conflicts with colonizers as they resisted land dispossession and exploitation.
These conflicts often had lasting traumatic effects on these communities.
