As I’m getting ready to graduate soon, ready to hopefully go into the world of science and nature interpretation, I can't help but feel both excitement and a bit of nervousness. Reflecting on my journey through university, I realize that my personal ethic has been quietly evolving, shaped by my deep love for nature and my desire to share its beauty with others!
Since I was a kid, I've been really drawn to the outdoors and nature, especially animals. Whether it was chasing butterflies through meadows, building forts in the woods, or simply lying in the grass and watching clouds drift by, nature has always been one of my happy places. As I grew older, my passion for nature grew more into a passion for conservation and environmental advocacy. I think I started to see nature not just as a playground, but as a precious and fragile ecosystem that needed protection. From the smallest hummingbird to the mightiest lion, every creature and every corner of the natural world has become special to me.
As I prepare to step into the role of a nature interpreter in the future, I find myself thinking about a whole new set of questions and responsibilities. What beliefs do I bring to this work? What kind of interpreter do I want to be? At the heart of my personal ethic, I have a passion for the beauty and complexity of nature. I think that every leaf, every rock, every drop of rain is a masterpiece in its own right, deserving of awe and admiration. But my passion also goes beyond just appreciation, it extends to a determination to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. In my eyes, being a nature interpreter isn't just about pointing out cool animals and pretty flowers (although those are definitely fun parts of the job). It's about creating a sense of wonder and curiosity, giving people a deep connection to the natural world and inspiring others to become passionate stewards of the earth as well (Beck et al., 2018, p. 42).
To achieve these goals, I'm personally a firm believer in the power of hands-on learning. There's just something magical about getting your hands dirty and your feet wet, about feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Whether it's leading nature walks, conducting field research, or getting to hold and touch cool animals, I'm all about getting out there and getting involved. I think that hands-on experiences are great at creating a sense of connection (GGI Insights, n.d.). They engage multiple senses, promote direct interaction with the environment, and create memorable, immersive experiences that resonate deeply with people (Bloemendaal, 2023). But hands-on learning isn't just about having fun (although, again, it's definitely a perk). It's also about deepening our understanding of the natural world, bettering our observation skills, and creating a sense of empathy for the creatures we share this planet with (GGI Insights, n.d.). After all, it's hard to care about something you've never seen or experienced firsthand.
In addition to hands-on learning, I'm a big fan of interdisciplinary approaches to nature interpretation. The natural world is truly a complicated place, so understanding it requires more than just a basic knowledge of biology or ecology. It requires us to consider the cultural, historical, and social factors that shape our relationship with nature, as well as the ethical implications of our actions (Spokes, 2020). That's why I think it would be important to always be on the lookout for new ways to weave together different disciplines and perspectives in nature interpretation work. Whether it's incorporating indigenous knowledge into nature walks, exploring the intersection of art and science in outreach programs, or delving into the psychology of conservation behaviour in research, it’s important that we build connections between disciplines (Spokes, 2020). Especially as someone who has a passion for science, discussing science in nature interpretation is crucial because it provides a foundation of understanding, creates informed appreciation, and empowers people to make informed decisions about conservation and environmental stewardship.
Of course, no discussion of nature interpretation would be finished without addressing the elephant in the room: ethical wildlife viewing. As someone who's spent more hours than I can count marvelling at the beauty of wild animals and trying to do wildlife photography, I know how tempting it can be to get up close and personal for that perfect shot. But I also know that our desire for a good photo shouldn't come at the expense of the animals we love. That's why I'm committed to practicing responsible wildlife viewing techniques, like keeping a safe distance, minimizing habitat disturbance, and never feeding or approaching wild animals (Burns, 2017).
Finally, I believe that as a nature interpreter, I have a responsibility to address pressing environmental issues like climate change and habitat loss. These are not just abstract concepts or distant threats, but real problems that are already having a huge impact on the world around us. That's why I'm committed to using my platform as a nature interpreter to raise awareness about these issues, to share stories of resilience and adaptation in the face of environmental change, and to inspire other people to take action in their own lives and communities. Because at the end of the day, it's not enough to simply appreciate the beauty of nature, we have to fight for its protection.
Overall, my personal ethic as a nature interpreter is grounded in a deep passion for the natural world, a commitment to hands-on learning and interdisciplinary approaches, a dedication to ethical wildlife viewing, and a passion for environmental advocacy. As I Start this journey, I know that the road ahead will be long and challenging, but I'm ready to face whatever comes my way with determination, curiosity, and a whole lot of love for nature!
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 42). Sagamore Publishing.
Bloemendaal, M. (2023, March 5). Unlocking the Power of Hands-On Learning: Benefits, Activities, and Examples. Studio Why. https://studiowhy.com/unlocking-the-power-of-hands-on-learning-benefits-activities-and-examples/
Burns, G. L. (2017). Ethics and Responsibility in Wildlife Tourism: Lessons from Compassionate Conservation in the Anthropocene. Wildlife Tourism, Environmental Learning and Ethical Encounters, 213-220. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55574-4_13
Conservation Education: Young People for Environmental Stewardship. (2024, March 8). Gray Group International. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/conservation-education#:~:text=Hands%2Don%20learning%20and%20outdoor%20experiences%20provide%20learners%20with%20opportunities,sense%20of%20responsibility%20and%20stewardship
Spokes, M. (2020, October 23). The interdisciplinary path to a more diverse conservation movement. Conservation Optimism. https://conservationoptimism.org/the-interdisciplinary-path-to-a-more-diverse-conservation-movement/
