From Eden Ecology to Indigenous Ecology

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/healing-the-land-after-wildfires-1.7125869

This was a fascinating podcast, examining how our stories shape how we see our place in the world, which in turn informs and shapes our approach to restoration ecology. If you're interested in learning about meaningful ways to improve balance with the natural world, you'll enjoy this podcast.

As for my reaction, I agree with one of the main subjects of this podcast, Michelle Edwards, who says that those of us with a scientific and Christian background tend to see ourselves as separate from nature, having been cast out of the Garden of Eden. As a result, when we undertake ecological restoration we imagine reverting the land to some non-human, pristine condition.

We seem perfectly fine with heavily managing the land for agriculture or forestry, but when we consider what to do with natural areas, the mindset is that it should be completely natural, with the smallest amount of human intervention possible. That nature should be able to function on its own without our meddling hands. In short, agriculture happens over here and nature is over there and never the 'tween shall meet.

We sometimes intervene to reverse human-induced ecosystem degradation, which has its time and place. Restoration often involves a "set it and forget it" approach, where invasive species are managed, soil is amended, and selected species are planted to establish a historically or currently viable plant community. When seen as an ongoing, multi-scale process, restoration can be successful. However, if neglected, the results may be lacking, leading to wasted time and resources.

What if our worldview allows for a way to restore land and also have a stake the land's ongoing health? For example, if we see humans as an integral part of the natural world, with a very important role to play: namely the role of care giver. One who manages nature for mutual benefit. To me this sounds like a sort of farming practice whereby nature is nudged into a functionality that is both proliferating and productive. For example, managing an ecosystem so that it provides forage for a population of game, which is an important food source for the people.

It's an idea worth considering and it may reframe how one approaches ecosystem restoration. As Edwards suggests, the questions about what ecosystem is suitable for the land to support could be supplemented with asking questions about what do the people need now and how can those needs be met? By incorporating the needs of people and the natural world, it is easier to picture a management approach that people will engage in and continue to foster.