Photo credit: SM Prober.
By Zoeller KC, Smith GS, Coggan A, Grainger D, Grigg NJ and Szetey K.
In our research, we explored how different people value various states of the Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands (BGGW) in central New South Wales, Australia. We wanted to understand how these values influence land management decisions, especially since these woodlands are important for both conservation and agricultural use.
We worked with two groups: local farmers and ecological specialists. Both groups identified several types of values they associate with different land-use states, but they often valued these states differently. For example, ecological specialists mostly valued grassy woodlands for their ecological importance, while farmers placed a high value on native pastures for their utility in farming. Despite these differences, both groups frequently mentioned relational values. These are the connections people feel to the land, such as cultural heritage, social ties, and personal identity.
Understanding these relational values is challenging because they are deeply personal and non-material. They reflect the intricate relationships between people and nature. However, recognizing these values is crucial for making better land management decisions. By identifying how these values are spread across different land states, there is the potential to create positive feedback loops that support the persistence of native vegetation and satisfy these relational values, while also considering the economic needs of farmers.
Our study highlights that conservation policies need to account for ecological, social and economic dimensions. For example, policies should support practices that enhance farmers’ cultural and social connections to their land, as this can lead to better environmental stewardship.
Moreover, we found that the dominant values varied depending on the state of the land, suggesting that different ecological systems generate different values in human communities. This diversity in values needs to be reflected in land-use policies to ensure they are effective and inclusive.
In summary, our research shows that understanding the diverse values people associate with land has the potential to promote effective and inclusive sustainability strategies by aligning conservation efforts with the needs and values of local communities, ultimately supporting both biodiversity and livelihoods.
Relational Thinking 