of Natural Environments Contemporary Views of 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. Direct relationship – Experienced the environment first hand

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 adversary an 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 Use these ‘Key’ Terms in SAC and Exam – Assessors will be looking for them. However – make sure you give an explanation as to WHY each particular view is connected with a particular user group

The Natural Environment can be Viewed: as a museum a 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 environment as a classroom a place to gain knowledge of the natural environment Use these ‘Key’ Terms in SAC and Exam – Assessors will be looking for them. However – make sure you give an explanation as to WHY each particular view is connected with a particular user group

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

Adversary Definition: The environment as a challenge to be won, eg a mountain conquered or a fear overcome.

Gymnasium Definition: Use of the environment as a place to work out, get fit, eg running on a beach, rock climbing…

Temple Definition: WORSHIP of the environment as something bigger and more complex than we are.

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

Museum Definition: 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 Images Not 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 Images Images 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 Images The 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 Adversary: unknown and hostile; full of dangers- needing to be cleared and conquered. This contributes to an image still shared by members of the community today along with the media and in advertising. The image of the outdoor environment as both an adversary (to be confronted in various ways) and as a gymnasium (for exercise) is a convenient vehicle for would-be adventurers and risk takers that is used by the media in advertising and programming.  Nature is viewed as a resource for meeting human needs but on the other hand as an adversary where the land needs clearing or native plants or animals encroach on farmland.

Views and Images Images can be portrayed in various forms of the media advertisements, articles, television programs, movies etc. You need to explore and reflect on your own images of particular environments were 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.  Task: Listen to Song lyrics: Dire Straits: Telegraph Road Counting Crows/Joni Mitchell; Big Yellow Taxi Goanna: Let the Franklin Flow John Butler Trio: Treat your mama with respect Paul Kelly: From little things Big Things grow

Views and Images Our views are quite personal but there are broad ‘Categories’ of views. Based on large scale intentions or purposes shared by groups There can be a broad range of views within each group. Read ‘Test Question’ on pg 269 – this will help understanding analysing and evaluating impacts of views and images on the Australian Environment.

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?