Monitoring and mapping for Sovereignty in Contested Conservation Contexts: Digital Ethnography, Indigenous Knowledge, and Conservation Governance, CASE project with the Forest Peoples Programme

Monitoring and mapping for Sovereignty in Contested Conservation Contexts: Digital Ethnography, Indigenous Knowledge, and Conservation Governance, CASE project with the Forest Peoples Programme

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Stephanie Brittain, School of Natural Sciences, University of Kent

Dr Mahesh Poudyal, School of Natural Sciences, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE)

Dr Chris Kidd, Forest Peoples Programme (FPP)

 

Scientific Background

Participatory mapping has become a vital strategy for Indigenous and local communities asserting land rights or taking ownership of environmental governance (Poudyal et al. 2015). Yet it is often implemented as a one-off, externally-led process that overlooks Indigenous knowledge systems and agency (Bryan, 2011). This project investigates how sustained, community-led mapping can support ecological stewardship, rights recognition, and policy reform. Focusing on the Ogiek of Mount Elgon, Kenya, who face displacement under fortress conservation (Kenrick et al., 2023), the research explores how Indigenous communities use spatial data to document environmental change, challenge dispossession, and shape conservation governance. It responds to global debates on how Indigenous peoples interact with conservation (Brittain et al. 2021; Newing et al. 2025), including issues of Indigenous data sovereignty, the ethical risks of spatial visibility, and the transformative potential of mapping for justice.

 

Research Methodology

This interdisciplinary PhD combines participatory action research (PAR), digital ethnography, platform analysis, and policy review. Working alongside the Ogiek and the Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), the researcher will:

  • Co-facilitate participatory mapping and monitoring activities;
  • Evaluate the inclusivity of digital mapping platforms (e.g. MAPEO);
  • Co-design ethical data governance protocols with communities;
  • Support analysis of community biodiversity monitoring and mapping data;
  • Analyse policy frameworks and assess how community data influences legal redress and conservation strategies.

 

Training

The individual will receive expert training in GIS, participatory methods, Indigenous research ethics, and science-policy communication. Working with FPP, they will co-produce applied outputs, including policy briefs, mapping protocols, ethical toolkits, integrated outputs and syntheses, and will be encouraged to engage with national (e.g. Kenya’s Land Commission) and international forums (e.g. UN Biodiversity processes).

 

Person Specification

We seek a motivated individual interested in Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and digital technologies. A background in geography, anthropology, conservation, or development is desirable. Experience with participatory methods or GIS is beneficial. Respectful collaboration and a commitment to co-production are essential. Swahili or Kalenjin language skills are an asset.

Acceptable first degree subjects: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field (e.g. environmental sciences, conservation science)

Project code: BRITTAIN_KENT_ARIES26_CASE

All ARIES CASE studentships include a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic CASE partner during their period of study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development.

References

  • Poudyal, M., Lidestav, G., Sandström, P., Sandström, S. (2015). Supporting community governance in boreal forests by introducing participatory GIS through Action Research. International Journal of Action Research.
  • Bryan, J (2011). Walking the line: Participatory mapping, indigenous rights, and neoliberalism. Geoforum.
  • Kenrick J, Rowley T, Kitelo P. (2023). ‘We are our land’- Ogiek of Mount Elgon, Kenya: securing community tenure as the key enabling condition for sustaining community lands. Oryx.
  • Brittain, S., Tugendhat, H., Newing, H.S., Milner-Gulland, E.J. (2021). Conservation and the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities: looking forwards. Oryx.
  • Newing, H., Brittain, S., Buchadas, A., Grasham, C., Kulkarni, A., Nash, F., Khanyari, M., Ghoddousi, A., (2024). ‘Participatory’ conservation research in conservation involving Indigenous peoples and local communities: fourteen principles for good practice. Biological Conservation.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via  University of Kent Graduate and Researcher College