Monitoring and Mapping for Sovereignty in Contested Conservation Contexts: Digital Ethnography, Indigenous Knowledge, and Conservation Governance
Participatory mapping has become a vital strategy for Indigenous communities asserting land rights and resisting exclusionary conservation models. Yet it is often implemented as a one-off, externally-led process that overlooks Indigenous knowledge systems and agency (Rundstorm, 1995; Bryan, 2011; Briggs et al., 2020). This project investigates how sustained, community-led mapping and monitoring 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 Indigenous data sovereignty, the ethical risks of spatial visibility, and the transformative potential of mapping for justice.
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 mapping initiatives, assess platform inclusivity (e.g. MAPEO), co-design ethical data governance protocols, support syntheses of community data holdings and leveraging underutilised community data. Legal and policy analysis will explore how community maps influence national conservation land restitution processes and community customary management systems.
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).
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).
To express interest in this project you must submit a Kent ARIES Expression of Interest Form and a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to kentgrc@kent.ac.uk by 23:59 GMT on Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Step 1. Download a copy of the Kent ARIES Expression of Interest Form here.
Step 2. Submit your completed form and a copy of your CV (no more than 2 pages) to kentgrc@kent.ac.uk.
Step 3. Complete the ARIES EDI Form.
You must complete all three steps to be considered for this project.
