Blaser (2014) argues that environmental conflicts are often rooted in what, requiring governance to account for it?

• A. Environmental conflicts are solely about resource scarcity.
• B. Conflicts are ontological; governance must account for different worldviews.
• C. Ontologies are always aligned.
• D. Governance can ignore differences.

Answer: (B)

Environmental conflicts arise from different ways people understand nature and humanity’s place within it. Blaser argues these tensions are ontological—rooted in diverse worldviews about what exists, what has value, and what counts as legitimate knowledge about the environment. Because governance interacts with groups holding these distinct worldviews, policies must account for and engage with multiple realities rather than imposing a single framework. When governance recognizes and accommodates diverse ontologies, it can design more legitimate, inclusive, and adaptable arrangements, such as co-management and the integration of varied knowledge systems.

Solely attributing conflicts to resource scarcity misses the deeper social meanings and legitimacy concerns that drive disputes. Ontologies are not always aligned; assuming harmony ignores real differences in values and beliefs. And governance that ignores these differences is unlikely to gain buy-in or resolve disputes. Emphasizing recognition of diverse worldviews leads to more effective and resilient environmental governance.