Nature-centric Catalyst

We are a group of writers, academics and artists (from diverse disciplines including ecology, law, ethics and governance) working together to explore more successful ways to govern humanity. We are seeking to look beyond governance approaches that are based on a misplaced sense of human exceptionalism and, instead, are rooted in attitudes of deep care and reverence for nature. Guided by wisdom from traditional indigenous cultures, in combination with new scientific and social science research, we will apply these ideas to the modern ‘western’ context.

To help make wiser governance approaches possible, we will help catalyse the shift in consciousness that is already underway– towards a human identity more deeply rooted in nature. We will gather diverse research to piece together evidence-based developmental pathways that decentre the human and embrace our reintegration into the web of life.

The full project title is 'Catalyst for nature-centric awareness and governance ' and we acknowledge charitable funding from the V.Kann Rasmussen Foundation. See our project Theory of Change here and the core research team here.

Examples of 'nature-centric governance' approaches we will critically review include:

- Putting 'Nature on the Board, where the voice of nature is represented in key organisational decision-making processes

- Rights of Nature, for example granting legal personhood rights to rivers, mountains, woodlands, following approaches in the field known as 'Earth Jurisprudence'

- Integrating nature into participatory decision making processes, for example by extending citizen assemblies to become what are being called 'multispecies assemblies' or 'interspecies councils'.

Want to learn more or get involved?

• Our findings- we will be publishing our preliminary findings linked this web page (expected autumn 2025). See our open proposal text for the academic working groups.
• Exhibition - we will be seeking funding to curate an exhibition showcasing how different sectors of society, from medicine to law to species conservation, are already being transformed by alternative human relationships with nature.  See the open plans for the exhibition here.
• Nature-centric Coffee House- a convivial series of events based on 'slow ecology' principles.
• Check back here or join this mailing list for updates about this project

 

Credit: Nina Montenegro

A few relevant articles:

• A new campaign wants to redefine the word ‘nature’ to include humans – here’s why this linguistic argument matters The Conversation
• How to foster kinship with nature to tackle the planetary environmental crisis, ‘Leading Through Storms’ blog
• Nature: how do you put a price on something that has infinite worth? The Conversation
• The age of the individual must end – our world depends on it The Guardian
• Green Man, The Idler magazine
• Could teaching about the environment actually be at odds with protecting nature?  ACU Review,
• For a more in-depth treatment of these ideas and more see THE SELF DELUSION

And new book The Nature Delusion coming soon!