Using Metaphors in Restoring Nature

Abstract

There has recently been growing interest in the role of metaphors in environmentalism and nature conservation. Metaphors not only structure how we perceive and think but also how we should act. The metaphor of nature as a book provokes a different attitude and kind of nature management than the metaphor of nature as a machine, an organism, or a network. This article explores four clusters of metaphors that are frequently used in framing ecological restoration: metaphors from the domains of engineering and cybernetics; art and aesthetics; medicine and health care; and geography. The article argues that these metaphors, like all metaphors, are restricted in range and relevance, and that we should adopt a multiple vision on metaphor. The adoption and development of such a multiple vision will facilitate communication and cooperation across the boundaries that separate different kinds of nature management and groups of experts and other stakeholders.

Pour une autre représentation métaphorique des invasions biologiques

“…Sans prétendre devoir rompre avec l'usage irrésistible de la métaphore, dont on ne peut dénier l'intérêt dans la clarification du langage (Chew et Laubichler, 2003 ;Keulartz, 2007), nous pensons judicieux de recourir à l'usage de termes non anxiogènes pour évoquer les espèces invasives (Colautti et MacIsaac, 2004 ;Simberloff, 2003). L'emploi trop systématique et diversifié de métaphores incarnant des peurs profondes à l'endroit des invasions biologiques contribue en effet à entretenir des zones d'ombre, dont ce concept souffre déjà, et à alimenter des malentendus.…”

“…Il serait absurde de vouloir occulter les conséquences environnementales bien réelles et parfois dramatiques qui résultent des invasions biologiques (Chapuis et al, 1995 ;Baskin, 2002). Il serait tout aussi inepte de nier l'intérêt des métaphores pour clarifier ou condenser des messages scientifiques (Chew et Laubichler, 2003 ;Keulartz, 2007). Il s'agit plus spécifiquement ici de contribuer, sur la base d'une exploration bibliographique, à l'exploration du champ encore occulte et peu étudié des représentations et des valeurs rattachées aux espèces invasives, de manière à suggérer l'emploi d'une terminologie moins agressive, moins anxiogène et moins connotée, de ce fait davantage conforme au principe de neutralité scientifique.…”

The changing landscape of ecological networks

“…The ecological action network has seen much success because it has been often rendered analogous to other better known networks which are characteristic of our society, such as transport or communication networks, (Keulartz 2007;Van der Windt & Swart 2008). As Musso (1999) points out: "from being natural, the network becomes artificial, (.)…”

Between Nativism and Cosmopolitanism: Framing and Reframing in Invasion Biology

“…To prevent such black-and-white thinking, we should first of all realize that every metaphor is restricted in range and relevance (Keulartz, 2007). Metaphors are like searchlights that highlight certain aspects and features, while obscuring others.…”

“…In this way we can bridge the gap between nativism and cosmopolitanism and open up space for a renewed debate that allows for a multiple vision on the exotic species issue. Taking our cue from environmental philosopher Baird Callicott and his colleagues Larry Crowder and Karen Mumford, we want to develop such a multiple vision by arranging the different frames on a scale from the least to the most severely invaded areas (Callicott, Crowder, & Mumford, 1999; see also Keulartz, 2007) (Table 18.1).…”