Thinking Like a Mountain: Exploring the Potential of Relational Approaches for Transformative Nature Conservation

J. Marc Foggin, Daniele Brombal and Ali Razmkhah
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J. Marc Foggin: Institute of Asian Research, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
Daniele Brombal: Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 3246, 30123 Venice, Italy
Ali Razmkhah: Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 3246, 30123 Venice, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 22, 1-18

Abstract: Building on a review of current mainstream paradigms of nature conservation, the essence of transformations necessary for effective and lasting change are presented—namely, convivial solutions (or ‘living with others’), in which relationality and an appreciation of our interdependencies are central, in contrast to life-diminishing models of individualism and materialism/secularism. We offer several areas for improvement centred on regenerative solutions, moving beyond conventional environmental protection or biophysical restoration and focusing instead on critical multidimensional relationships—amongst people and between people and the rest of nature. We focus, in particular, on the potential of people’s values and worldviews to inform morality (guiding principles and/or beliefs about right and wrong) and ethics (societal rules defining acceptable behaviour), which alone can nurture the just transformations needed for nature conservation and sustainability at all scales. Finally, we systematize the potential of regenerative solutions against a backdrop of relational approaches in sustainability sciences. In so doing, we contribute to current endeavours of the conservation community for more inclusive conservation, expanding beyond economic valuations of nature and protected areas to include more holistic models of governance that are premised on relationally-oriented value systems.

Keywords: people; nature; biodiversity; conservation; regeneration; relationships; value systems; just transformations; human rights-based approaches; Indigenous Peoples and local communities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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