Dr. Marjo De Theije

Biography

Marjo de Theije is a prominent scholar affiliated with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, focusing on the anthropology of resource extraction. With over a decade of extensive research, she examines cultural, social, economic, and environmental dimensions of small-scale gold mining, particularly in the Amazon region, including Brazil and the Guianas. Her fieldwork spans various countries, including Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Suriname, and French Guiana, collaborating with Brazilian migrant miners and local indigenous communities. De Theije has been involved in significant projects like GOMIAM and Gold Matters, which investigate sustainable transformations in artisanal gold mining and its socio-economic impacts. She has also contributed to the academic community through editorial roles and research collaborations. Her current work addresses the implications of resource extraction amidst crises, such as the Venezuelan crisis, emphasizing the need for sustainable management of natural resources. De Theije has supervised numerous PhD candidates, guiding research on topics related to social movements, environmental governance, and cultural aspects of natural resource extraction. Her analytical approach often integrates a holistic view, examining the perspectives of actors involved in resource utilization and the socio-environmental changes resulting from such activities.

Research Interests