What is a “good water”? Institutional and material assemblages: flowing through different knowledges about water on customary land in New Caledonia - Olga Peytavi

This doctoral research in anthropology aims to identify the multiple knowledges about water and how they are linked together in New Caledonia, in a context of settler colonization history, indigenous claims for political recognition and sovereignty, and negotiated decolonization.

img1 verre eau web © O. Peytavi: Glass of tap water after a rainy night, Vieux-Touho, July 2022

 

 

Water illustrates the complexity of the institutional organization of New Caledonia, which often collides with local uses and habits and triggers tensions around pollution, water access or the sacredness of water places.

 

 

 

 

img2 vieux captage web © O. Peytavi: Old abandoned water catchment that is currently being reused by the Daoulo family of Vieux Touho for personal use, July 2022

 

 

Furthermore, land comprises three legal domains, private, customary and public estate, with different rules of water management. For instance, rivers flowing in customary land are not part of the NC river public domain.

 

 

 

 

img3 fontainiers web © O. Peytavi: The municipality hydrant men cleaning the Tiwae water catchment chambers with a broom to scrape dirt, August 2022

 

 

The main goal of this research is to identify, report and value the different local knowledges through the lens of the quality. It appears that the notion of quality might not be that straightforward for everyone. Two main visions seem to cohabitate: a public health vision of “water quality” and a holistic and somehow cyclic perception, encompassing water and its human and non-human allies.

 

 

However, these two notions are far from being separate. Both are constantly navigating within local practices. This research seeks to illustrate how these different knowledges over water are assembled together and how techno-social tinkering is used today to create the dialogue between these types of knowledges..

 

Key words : Water Governance – New Caledonia – Water Management, Water Care - Kanaky - Social tinkering

Additional Info

  • Contact:

    PhD Student: Peytavi Olga
    Phone : 0651227497
    E-mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • THESIS INFORMATION:

    Doctoral school: ED60
    Thesis Director: Pierre-Yves Le Meur
    Supervisors: Caroline Lejars et Séverine Bouard
    Start date: 31/12/2021
    Defense date: XX/XX/2024

  • Team(s) of Joint Research Unit concerned:

    Socio-Hydro

SHARE
FaLang translation system by Faboba
APT Logo fra      logo brgm web frlogo inraeLogo Institut Agro Mpl petit

 

Enregistrer

Enregistrer

Enregistrer

Enregistrer

Enregistrer

Enregistrer