Ecological Imperialism

Ecological imperialism refers to the process by which colonizing powers exploit and transform the natural environments of the regions they occupy, often leading to ecological disruption and the displacement of local species and knowledge. This concept highlights how European colonizers introduced non-native plants and animals, significantly altering ecosystems and diminishing biodiversity. It emphasizes the interplay between ecology and colonialism, showing that imperial ambitions were not only about territorial control but also about controlling and reshaping nature to benefit the colonizers, often with lasting detrimental effects on indigenous ecosystems and communities.