Empire, cultivation, and the environment in Southeast Asia since 1500

This study reveals how imperialism in Southeast Asia, particularly through colonial botanic gardens like Buitenzorg and Singapore Botanic Gardens, drove the transformation of tropical environments to prioritize the cultivation and export of non-native flora for trade profits. The research highlights a historical pattern of environmental exploitation that persists today, tracing its roots back to the 16th century when spices attracted Western merchants and mercenaries. By analyzing the role of these gardens in identifying, acclimatizing, and increasing yield of exotic plants, the study underscores their pivotal function in shaping imperial economies and landscapes.

Barnard, T. P. (2021). Empire, cultivation, and the environment in Southeast Asia since 1500. The Routledge Handbook of Science and Empire, 210–217. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429273360-19