Cultural Landscapes and Novel Ecosystems

Abstract

This chapter considers the ways in which rapid and intense social, economic, and ecological pressures are transforming cultural landscapes through the lens of novel ecosystems. It argues that cultural landscapes now exist in novel contexts, creating many of the same tensions and challenges for biodiversity conservation as in novel ecosystems. It explores the concept of ecological baselines and what constitutes a ‘desirable’ state in conservation, and how these are shifting. The concept of cultural severance is introduced, and the connection between changes in culture and the loss of biodiversity is explored. The chapter builds on these ideas to examine three different types of cultural landscapes that could provide lessons for elsewhere: heathland in the UK, alvar grasslands in Estonia, and satoyama in Japan.

Climate Change and UNESCO World Heritage-Listed Cultural Properties: A Systematic Review, 2008–2021

“…Indeed, a study conducted by Lowenthal [69] postulates that the natural environment and the recreations of people co-mingle in such a way that "no aspect of nature is unimpacted by human agency, no artefact devoid of environmental impress" (p. 81). Regarding the World Heritage system, natural properties have been frequently recognised with cultural values, whilst cultural properties aspire to appreciate and respect human-nature exchanges and interactions [70]. Therefore, any damage that happens to human-nature assemblages will rupture other parts of it [67].…”

How resilience is framed matters for governance of coastal social‐ecological systems

“…Framing is of material importance in governance, as how a subject is framed shapes the ways in which facts, values, and interests are translated into action, as well as shaping who is inolved and what solutions are favoured. Framing is equally important as a linguistic tool because it determines what elements of a narrative about ‘how things should be done’ are made salient to actors involved in governance (Clement 2021). The methodological focus on discourse in both literature and practice here thus provides insights into how ideas about resilience have both material and rhetorical impact on governance.…”

“…However, despite the clear need and urgency of these challenges‐and an increasingly large set of policies, plans, and programmes designed to address them–existing approaches are not sufficient (Clarke et al, 2013; Jozaei, Mitchell, & Clement, 2020). Governance provides a critical link between social and ecological systems, and it considers how decisions are made, who is involved, where and why we intervene, and thus sets the vision and direction for management (Clement, 2021).…”

Governance of and with nature-based solutions in cities

“…A multi-species approach brings to the forefront the lives of other organisms that are enmeshed in the worlds of humans and that recognises the creative, political, and affective capacities of these others (Kirksey and Helmreich 2010). The urban governance of NBS can play a key role in coordinating the biodiversity and climate change crises (Clement 2020) by building a shared understanding of working with and for nature to improve both social and ecological outcomes. Without recognising and including other species in some ways as co-participants in political and practical decision-making processes, it will not be possible to achieve legitimate and inclusive governance of NBS in cities.…”