Nature Culture

Rob’s specialty is ornithology – the study of birds – especially their ecology and migration. Crows, herons and shorebirds are favourite subject. Most of his research is conducted through the Pacific WildLife Foundation where a cadre of renowned scientists and educators use objective science for marine conservation. Visit our web site.

Developing regional cultures rooted in nature

A Nature Culture arises where a society adopts a nature-based way of life. Many societies evoke elements of a Nature Culture by holding annual nature festivals, celebrations and activities. What is new about Nature Culture is the explicit recognition of nature as a cultural value worth sustaining. The recognition comes in the form of cultural adoption of nature related customs and values.

The physical and emotional health, and childhood development benefits of experiences with nature are well established. A Nature Culture goes beyond the health benefits to valuing nature as a source of inspiration, livelihoods, resources and food.  

Mission

Nature Culture is a philosophy in which nature becomes the foundation of a regional culture so that securing nature over the long term is a cultural imperative.

Vision

The vision of adopting Nature Cultures sees the emergence of unique local and regional cultural expression responding to nature. Because the practices of Nature Culture rely on nature, the philosophy ensures the long term sustainability of the livelihoods and practices. A Nature Culture grows value and interest for products, activities, and traditions rooted in the regional ecosystem. Nature Cultures are open to everyone to participate and to develop cultural responses unique to their regions.

Three Steps Toward A Nature Culture: Experience, Inspire, Celebrate

Experience Nature

The natural environment is the foundation of a Nature Culture and the iconic events are its bedrock. Think about the iconic places and natural events where you live and plan to visit them. Put them on your Nature Culture bucket list. The experience of visiting these places and seeing spectacles of nature will give a feel for the splendors of nature in your region. You might also have a few places nearby that you can visit regularly to experience nature and gain the benefits from time in nature.

Get Inspired

The next step is to become inspired by the experiences of nature. You might simply join a nature or outdoor club or participate in a Christmas Bird Count to learn more and become a local expert. Share experiences with others. Take up bird watching, native plant gardening, photography, art, music or dance, or write poetry or stories. How does the experiences with nature inspire your creativity? Adopt the Nature Culture philosophy in your home, your neighbourhood and in your community.

Celebrate Nature

Nature Culture requires the adoption of nature related customs and values by the society. By participating you are adding value to nature. Think about developing a way of life for your region that encompasses and reflects nature through traditions and events.

One way to get started is to offer annual events related to nature; many organizations already do this through outdoor events and festivals. Plan to build on what you already have; attend existing nature-related events, support local artisans, and producers of sustainably grown food. Hold a feast of local, sustainably grown food with your family, as a potluck dinner with friends, or as a fund-raiser for a nature club. Our family has held such a feast for over a decade. Establish a day for an annual hike to one of the iconic natural events such as the return of spawning fish, the arrival of migratory birds, or the blooming of spring flowers. Hold a run, walk or cycling event to highlight natural areas, organize a swim to highlight clean water, host an art show for nature inspired artists, establish an annual nature writers and film festival, music, or dance recital. Offer awards. You might urge your local community to offer a stage or place for all residents to showcase their nature inspired ideas and products. 

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