The 25th International Congress on Conservation Biology in Auckland (NZ) ran with the theme “Engaging Society with Conservation.” Matthew Zylstra delivered an oral and poster presentation about his ongoing doctoral research (linked to eyes4earth.org) which critically examined how meaningful nature experiences might inform education aimed at achieving this theme…
eyes4earth.org newsletter previewing preliminary research insights on meaningful nature experiences as well as a summary of recent news, weblog posts and upcoming events. Enjoy!
Concerns are sometimes expressed about how indigenous perceptions of certain animals acting as a ‘sign’ or ‘omen’ for an undesirable event (e.g. death) may in fact endanger the species existence. In Africa, owls and snakes are prime examples of this. But is this a problem of indigenous knowledge per se or is it a symptom of loss of indigenous knowledge?
Members of the Baviaansloof Nature Awareness Group came together again last weekend. Under the shade of Sewefontein’s serene wild fig tree forest, a couple of group members met to discuss preferences and priorities for future training and local nature awareness activities.
The 4th World Conference of Ecological Restoration recently took place in Merida, Mexico. Tucked away in a dark remote corner of the Holiday Inn Hotel venue late late in the afternoon and scheduled between two Spanish speaking presentations in a session otherwise totally irrelevant to my particular research focus, I delivered a presentation which may indeed reverberate through history as being pivotal in illuminating our experience of alien contact.
Is nature connection really only possible when embedded in the fabric of healthy community? The recent Art of Mentoring course in the Santa Cruz Mountains simulated this path and process of re-discovering of the things that connect us to ourselves, community and nature.
Is it possible to cultivate non-ordinary experiences with nature and, in doing so, allow the non-ordinary to become the ordinary? A recent workshop in the Santa Cruz mountains explored this possibility through the art of nature writing and intuitive enquiry.
The winners to the Reconnecting with Nature Contest have been awarded! As one of our judges said after reading the responses, “Phew, that was a difficult task … I’m grateful there were only a few (entries)!! A sense of connectedness is such a personal thing, and I found the insights fascinating.”
“Are you guys still up for this?” was the question cautiously asked, “100%. We are 110, no, we are 200% committed…” announced coordinator Christo at the beginning of the last get together of the Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group held at Sewefontein Community Farm.
You do not need to look far these days to see mention of the words: “reconnecting with nature”. If it is not emblazoned on any number of ‘eco’-tourism websites or outdoor-based courses then it is certainly to be found in the scientific and popular literature which calls for new understandings of a conservation ethic. “Reconnecting” has seemingly become the mantra for overcoming humanity’s separation from nature. But there is relative silence on what ‘reconnecting’ actually means. Can you tell us? There might be some cash in it if you can…
What is nature doing for you now?
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