A Hakea tree stands alone in the Australian outback during sunset. Pilbara region, Western Australia
Shutterstock/bmphotographer
What do we mean when we talk about nature? Often, we envision it as something distant and untouched, portrayed in media or described in magazines. We imagine a place far away, wild and free, without people, roads, fences, or power lines. This conception of pristine wilderness is not only incorrect but also detrimental. It blinds us to the true nature of our interconnectedness with the environment.
Having contemplated and written extensively about nature and wilderness, I have come to recognize these ideas as not just scientifically inaccurate but also harmful. The notion of an untarnished ecosystem is a myth. Humans have impacted the planet for thousands of years, leaving their mark on all living organisms. Simultaneously, we, as humans, are profoundly influenced by the flora and fauna we have evolved alongside. We are an integral part of nature.
Changing our perception of nature is not an easy task. It poses challenges for all of us, especially those devoted to studying and protecting wilderness. Nevertheless, it is crucial that we do so. The rhetoric surrounding “wilderness” has historically been used to justify denying Indigenous people their land rights and erasing their rich histories. Furthermore, perceiving nature and humans as incompatible prevents us from exploring collaborative approaches that benefit both society and the environment.
