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Constructing nature on Marker Wadden; an explorative case study on images of- and attitudes towards nature on a manmade ecosystem

Schoenmaker, Wibe (2023) Constructing nature on Marker Wadden; an explorative case study on images of- and attitudes towards nature on a manmade ecosystem. Master thesis.

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Abstract

Land reclamation for the sole purpose of developing nature is a novel practice in the cultural landscape of the Netherlands. Synthesising images of nature with the pragmatic focus on the role of humans towards their environment, this study contributes to understanding opinions on nature development as societal discussions escalated recently. By surveying visitors on Marker Wadden (N = 255), the results demonstrate that the common understanding among respondents entails that nature and culture are intertwined and that management is not disapproved of. Whether this is the result of the visit to Marker Wadden or if they had these convictions before is unknown. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that the definition of nature is sensitive to context and that construction and management do not produce dissent among the consulted visitors on Marker Wadden. Moreover, cognitive dissonance between theoretical principles and practical interventions elicited. The alteration of nature is both condemned and supported. This, in combination with the unexpected similarity of opinions towards the role humans play in nature by the three nature-cognition groups, highlight the ambiguity of the concept “nature” and call for further research on the images of nature in unconventional contexts like Marker Wadden.

Item Type: Thesis (Master)
Degree programme: Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning)
Supervisor: Meijles, E.W.
Date Deposited: 07 Jun 2023 09:43
Last Modified: 07 Jun 2023 09:43
URI: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4183

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