Section D (C7) - Human-Nature Relationships

Question 1

common values for nature (9)

Answer 1

• Intrinsic: valued for what is it inherently
• Scientific: research, information, understanding, monitor and assess changes and develop a greater understanding
• Recreational: setting for recreation, escape the daily pressures of life, enjoy new experiences
• Spiritual: intangible value, connection to land, sacred sites, rituals
• Educational: place and subject for education such (school, university programs, eco-tourism)
• Aesthetic: valued for its beauty
• Social: a place for social interaction
• Cultural: aspect of culture which forms our identity as a nation
• Economic: potential of resources (minerals, timber, tourism)

Question 2

what are values, beliefs and attitudes

Answer 2

• Values - The things someone believes holds importance, worth or usefulness.
• Beliefs - Something that a person accepts as true or real, firmly held opinions.
• Attitudes - The way a person thinks or feels about a particular topic or issue.

Question 3

3 key environmental views

Answer 3

• Ecocentric - ecosystem centred (value of all living + non-living things)
• Biocentric - life centred (value of life)
• Anthropocentric - human centred

Question 4

Describe the 4 types of relationships with nature on a continuum. (Peter Martin, 2004)

Answer 4

• Alienated from - nature is unknown, feared or disconnected (people in cities)
• Travelling through - nature is used as a place to go, a resource, personal benefit (tourism, logging industry, mining)
• Caring for - stewardship/friendship with nature, emotional connection (bushwalkers, activists)
• Integrated with - understanding of oneself as a part of nature, deep spiritual/religious connection (Aboriginal)

Question 5

key groups/stakeholders to consider when discussing how HNR have changed over time

Answer 5

• Indigenous Australians
• Early Colonial Settlers
• Environmentalists
• Industry
• Tourism and Ecotourism
• Educational Groups
• Recreational Users

Question 6

Suggest ideas of how groups/individuals can become more connected to nature.

Answer 6

• Guided/unguided meditation
• Education
• Connect to something larger than themselves (religion, Aboriginal culture, deep ecology)
• Skill development
• Things to increase comfort/enjoyment (eg- good food etc)
• Revisiting the same area (including different seasons)
• Exploration and discovery
• Moments of silence
• Time alone in nature
• Immersive activities (tree planting, stargazing)
• Sensory experiences (teepees, art, rock mandalas)
• Games

Question 7

Suggest ideas of how the tourism industry can teach the importance of Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Answer 7

1. Indigenous lead experiences
   - collaboration with Aboriginal communities to lead tours/talks/workshops
   - sharing stories, cultural practices, history, knowledge, significance
2. Signage
   - key signs reminding tourists to pay respect to country
   - also informational: on traditions, history, plants/animals eaten, ways of living
3. Preserving pristine ecosystems
   - upholding of LNT principles
   - educate tourists on importance of respecting cultural sites (eg. living sites)
   - common damaging impacts of tourists (wildlife disturbance, vegetation damage - root rot/trampling, fire impact, littering, water contamination
   - more impactful if lead by member of Aboriginal community

Question 8

leave no trace principles

Answer 8

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Walk and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimise campfire impacts – use a fuel stove
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors

Question 9

Biophilia (Wilson, 1984)

Answer 9

• Humans have a “genetically based need for affiliation of life in all its forms”, an emotional connection between humans and other living organisms
• This creates an innate, often subconscious “base-level” relationship with nature
• Affects all human function of the way we live our lives (health, culture, aesthetic appreciation)

Question 10

sense of place

Answer 10

• the ability to emotionally and physically identify with a place, and experience rootedness in that place. Occurs upon a continuum.
• Shaped by the specific location and our experiences of it
• Places give meaning to a person’s life and identity

Question 11

contemporary threats to nature

Answer 11

• Development on natural areas
• Disease
• Introduced flora and fauna species
• Overexploitation
• Habitat destruction
• Recreational use
• Population growth
• Climate change

Question 12

threats to human-nature relationships due to unsustainable practices (5)

Answer 12

• fewer places to find inspiration or stimulation for creativity
• less access to recreational sites and places for adventure activities
• fewer natural places for educational groups to study and learn from
• destruction of indigenous lifestyles
• loss of connection to a place or part of self