Multiple conceptualizations of nature are key to inclusivity and legitimacy in global environmental governance

[en] Despiteincreasingscientificunderstandingoftheglobalenvironmentalcrisis,westruggletoadoptthepolicies sciencesuggestswouldbeeffective.Oneofthereasonsforthatisthelackofinclusiveengagementanddialogue among a wide range of different actors. Furthermore, there is a lack of consideration of differences between languages, worldviews and cultures. In this paper, we propose that engagement across the science-policy interfacecanbe strengthenedby beingmindfulofthebreadthanddepthofthediversehuman-naturerelations found around the globe. By examining diverse conceptualizations of “nature” in more than 60 languages, we identify three clusters: inclusive conceptualizations where humans are viewed as an integral component of nature; non-inclusiveconceptualizationswhere humansareseparate fromnature; anddeifyingconceptualizationswherenatureisunderstoodandexperiencedwithinaspiritualdimension. Consideringandrespectingthisrichrepertoireofwaysofdescribing,thinkingaboutandrelatingtonature canhelpuscommunicateinwaysthatresonateacrossculturesandworldviews.Thisrepertoirealsoprovidesa resource we can draw on when defining policies and sustainability scenarios for the future, offering opportunitiesforfindingsolutionstoglobalenvironmentalchallenges.

Disciplines :

Life sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Law, criminology & political science: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Arts & humanities: Multidisciplinary, general & others

Author, co-author :

Coscieme, Luca

da Silva Hyldmo, Hakon

Fernandez-Llamazares, Alvaro

Palomo, Ignacio

Mwampamba, Tuyeni Heita

Selomane, Odirilwe

Sitas, Nadia

Jaureguiberry, Pedro

Takahashi, Yasuo

Lim, Michelle

More authors (30 more)

Language :

English

Title :

Multiple conceptualizations of nature are key to inclusivity and legitimacy in global environmental governance

Publication date :

2020

Journal title :

Environmental Science and Policy

ISSN :

1462-9011

eISSN :

1873-6416

Publisher :

Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Volume :

104

Pages :

36-42

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 20 November 2019

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