Contemporary Viewsof Natural Environments

What is a View? A view is an opinion or attitude we have about natural environments. A view can be defined as a particular way of looking at or thinking

about environments that shape our relationships with them. (eg. a museum, playground, temple, adversary or gymnasium)

Views are often formed as a result of an experience with it. (direct relationship)

The natural environment can be viewed in many different ways. It is possible for an individual to view the same environment differently, depending on their purpose for being there and their mood or frame of mind at the time.

A person’s view of the environment may also alter, before, during and after a particular experience.

Views of natural environments and outdoor experiences have changed over time.

Natural Environments can be viewed in many different ways

“What you see in a particular place

depends on what you’re thinking, and what

you’re thinking depends on your value system, your education, your

social status, your experiences and the culture you live in.”

The Natural Environment can be Viewed:

as a resource for meeting human needs to gain profit

as an adversaryan enemy, something to beat as a challenge for

recreation or as a threat to safety and life, to conquer

as a gymnasium or playground a place to participate in physical activities

as a cathedral/temple a place of beauty, peace and tranquility to appreciate

and connect with nature

The Natural Environment can be Viewed:

as a museuma place of history to understand past and future

human-nature relationships

as a laboratory a place used to gain a better understanding and

knowledge of the natural environmentas a classroom

a place to gain knowledge of the natural environment

Contemporary views of natural

environments

Contemporary views of natural environments

Focus on the ways these views are portrayed, for example in media, behaviour, advertising, music and writing.

Images

Adversary Gymnasium Temple / Cathedral Resource Museum

AdversaryDefinition: The environment as a challenge to be

won, eg a mountain conquered or a fear overcome.

GymnasiumDefinition: Use of the environment as a place to

work out, get fit, eg running on a beach, rock climbing…

TempleDefinition: WORSHIP of the environment as

something bigger and more complex than we are.

ResourceDefinition: Use of the environment for monetary gain, eg timber, place to take customers for tourism/recreation reasons

MuseumDefinition: Use of the environment as a story line for history, eg fossils, cave paintings, types of rocks, movement of earth, life span of trees…

What is an Image?An image can be defined as a mental picture,

representation, idea or conception of nature in relation to its purpose as a result of an experience with it.

Images can be used by various groups in the media and other forums to represent the environment and provoke perceptions by those exposed to them (indirect relationship)

Images are often used to portray a particular perspective. Images can influence individuals to form opinions or

attitudes/views towards the natural environment You need to consider how images are presented and what

effect that these would have on the reader.

Views and ImagesNot all views are determined/shaped by direct

experiences.Individuals can form views of an environment as a

result of images presented to them.Groups present a particular image as a way of

influencing others to form a specific opinion (view).

This can influence the way we interact with the land I.e. Shape our relationships with nature.

Views and ImagesImages can be linked with relationships

KINSHIP Relating the environment as part of yourself Indigenous cultures and absolute naturalists

WORTHSHIP Seeing nature for its instrumental value Landowners, scientists, adventurers Resource, Adversary, Gymnasium

WORSHIP Seeing nature for its intrinsic value Cathedral, Museum

Views and ImagesThe various images can come from or be linked to

the views of various groups.Early settlers

Generally perceived the Australian environment as an adversary

Artists have long created both cathedral- like images of the

outdoors and ones of adversity in portraying the outdoor environment

Adventurers Can view the environment as an adversity or a gymnasium

Views and ImagesImages can be portrayed in various forms of the

mediaadvertisements, articles, television programs, movies

etc.

You need to explore and reflect on your own images of particular environmentswere your images prior to a visit different from those

formed after going to a particular place?

Compare images portrayed of a familiar environment with your own views of that environment. 

Views and ImagesOur views are quite personal but there are broad

‘Categories’ of views.Based on large scale intentions or purposes shared

by groupsThere can be a broad range of views within each

group.

Activity:Reflect upon our Grampians Trip:

What we some of your perceptions/views of the ‘Gramps prior to the trip?

Did they change at all?

Think about some of the activities we participated in: What were your views prior/during/after? Did they change? IF so why?