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Short abstract:

This study explores how EO tools shape power dynamics in fighting illegal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon. It challenges assumptions of technology-induced knowledge neutrality, emphasizing the nuanced role of geospatial technologies in environmental governance.

Long abstract:

Illegal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon poses significant environmental and social challenges, prompting the adoption of cutting-edge tools like Earth Observation (EO) technology as a mean of governance. However, the prevailing assumption that these tools inherently empower the weaks and hold the powerful accountable requires closer investigation. Drawing on insights from Science and Technology Studies (STS) and Sociology of Knowledge, this study delves into the intricate relationship between knowledge production through EO tools and power dynamics in the context of the fight against illegal gold mining.

By scrutinizing the materialities of EO tools and the socio-political context shaping knowledge production, we uncover the nuanced interplay between knowledge and power. Through an Access Theory lens, we analyze how EO tools influence power structures, considering both local specificities and international agendas. Our findings challenge the narrative of geospatial technologies as neutral and objective forces for empowerment, highlighting their role in shaping governance structures and redistributing power.

This study sheds light on the agency of EO tools in reshaping environmental governance, particularly in the fight against illegal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon. By untangling the connections between technology, knowledge and power, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the implications of adopting geospatial technologies for power dynamics and underscores the need for nuanced approaches in technology-driven environmental solutions.