Creating the Centre for Ethnoecology

The inception of the Centre for Ethnoecology marks a pivotal moment in bridging the gap between academia, communities, and broader society. Rooted in the idea that culture holds profound value in addressing contemporary environmental challenges, the Centre stands as a beacon of dialogue, respect, and reciprocity in knowledge exchange.

At its core, the Centre for Ethnoecology understands the importance of diverse ways of knowing. It recognises that exploring many perspectives can lead to a more holistic and sustainable approach to our relationship with the natural world. While many sustainability initiatives focus on technological solutions to reduce environmental impact, the Centre acknowledges that neglecting cultural connections to the more-than-human leads to shortsightedness.

Documenting and communicating the myriad ways of knowing plants, animals, ecosystems, and landscapes is one of the Centre's primary missions. This encompasses studying different cultural practices, traditional and contemporary crafts, the use of medicinal plants, the imminence of hunting and gathering experiences, tacit embodiments and the spiritual/cultural significance of other-than-human beings.

Through collaborative research projects, scholars within the Centre for Ethnoecology amplify the voices of those deeply connected to sustainable land management practices and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Education plays a pivotal role in the Centre's mission. It aims to raise awareness about the significance of ethnoecological knowledge in today's world. Workshops, seminars, and courses provide platforms for engagement, inviting students, researchers, and the public to delve into diverse perspectives on ecology and conservation.

This endeavour is not simply about adding another layer to existing approaches to sustainability but about fundamentally reshaping our understanding. By working upstream of predominant sustainability models, including those centred on behaviour change, the Centre acknowledges the role of culture in shaping perceptions. Recognizing the aesthetics, language, and framing processes inherent in various cultures, the Centre aims to understand the foundational beliefs that underpin how individuals and communities perceive and value their environment.

The Centre for Ethnoecology champions environmental and social justice and sustainability, advocating profound cultural understanding. Doing so paves the way for enduring, impactful change, honouring the intricate relationships between humans and their natural environments.

For more information, please visit About the Centre for Ethnoecology.

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