Mapu Lahual: Ecotourism and Indigenous Rights in Chile

Abstract: This thesis will assess the efforts of international organizations (IGOs) and international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) to facilitate self-determination and economic independence for the indigenous Mapuches peoples in Chile. My hypothesis is that both IGOs and INGOs to a great extent have helped indigenous peoples gain substantive rights in Chile. When analyzing Chilean progress in indigenous rights, three topic areas were identified. The first considers how the constitutional frameworks support indigenous rights and what rights are guaranteed or hindered due the Chilean 1980 constitution. The second is the economic inclusion and independence of the tribes or communities. Ecotourism projects have been implemented in Chile to help develop and conserve the environment, the economy and indigenous culture. How well do economic projects and land reform policy help give indigenous people substantive economic independence will be considered. The third is the political inclusion of indigenous people within the Chilean state. To what extent do indigenous peoples have a place in decision-making positions or have a role in making national policy? I will further address the intersection of indigenous peoples, territorial rights, eco-tourism, and international human rights with respect to national governments, international organizations and nongovernmental organizations. The main idea is to better understand the struggles of indigenous peoples for self-determination by focusing on how the state, NGOs and the Mapuche people coordinate eco-tourism efforts