Back in the bush: sustainability, postmodernism and indigenous forests in New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science (Resource Management), Lincoln University

Abstract

The concept of sustainability has gained international attention in recent years as a potential universal solution to the world’s economic, social and environmental problems. The concept was at the centre of discussions at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (1992) at Rio de Janeiro. It has continued to be a focus of international, national and local conferences and initiatives. In 1987 Edward Barbier published a paper entitled The Concept of Sustainable Economic Development. His paper outlined a model which attempted to overcome problems of previous definitions of sustainability. In this thesis Barbier's model of sustainability is expanded and reconceptualised in order to gain a greater understanding of the concept as well as increase its potential for use as a resource management tool. The theory of Postmodernism, particularly its critique of science, is introduced for a deeper understanding of the problems surrounding sustainability and assist in providing direction from a weak sustainability paradigm to a strong sustainability paradigm. The reconceptualised model is used as an analytical framework to examine a case study involving an indigenous forest and its management in light of the recent introduction of the Forest Amendment Act 1993. This act requires indigenous forests to be managed on a sustainable basis. The model is also used to gain an insight into where we have come from and where we may be in terms of 'achieving' sustainability within indigenous forests in New Zealand.