Why Conserve Nature?: Perspectives on Meanings and Motivations

People rehearse stories about nature that make sense to them, but these myths may not be good for conservation. Scientific knowledge about the environment is essential for conservation, but any conservation motivation is nested within a society's meanings of nature and the way society values it. The therapeutic and psychological significance of nature is just as important as scientific evidence, and the book considers the meanings derived from the poetic and emotional attachment to a sense of place.

Format: Hardback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Nature's transformative power shapes the world we inhabit. People weave narratives about nature that resonate with their beliefs. When we delve into the question of why conserve nature, the answers often stem from myths. However, is it beneficial to embrace these myths as guiding principles for conservation efforts? Scientific understanding of the environment forms the foundation of our understanding of how nature operates. It is undeniably crucial to the conservation movement. Nonetheless, any motivation for conservation is intricately intertwined with society's perceptions of nature and the value it holds. Given the profound therapeutic and psychological benefits nature provides to us and our culture, this book explores the meanings derived from the poetic and emotional connection to a sense of place, which is arguably just as significant as scientific evidence. While the functional significance of species is undeniable, it is equally important to acknowledge the therapeutic value of nature, alongside the historical and spiritual meanings woven into the human appreciation for landscapes and wildlife.

Weight: 810g
Dimension: 235 x 157 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108832526