Linking Biodiversity and Human Health to Achieve Sustainability
39
urban waterway management programmes incorporate such species into their designs
(Mounir et al. 2017; Wang et al. 2017).
2.7 Loss of Human-Nature Connection
The manner in which people perceive nature is positively related to the amount of
time spent in nature throughout their lives (Soga et al. 2016).
Many people tend to spend most of their time indoors or away from nature.
This relationship between man and nature (often referred to as the “Human-Nature
Connection”, HNC) has deteriorated and this disconnection impacts human health
and well-being (Ives et al. 2017; Soga and Gaston 2016).
Soga and Gaston (2016) report several data sets that show a decline in outdoor
activity across several generations and propose that the consequences of this decline
include changes to health and well-being, as well as emotional, attitudinal and
behavioural changes. These consequences in turn may further aggravate and intensify
the disconnection with nature.
2.8 Sustainable Exploitation
The likelihood of sustainable exploitation is higher if the local biodiversity is used
for personal needs, rather than as a source of income with no personal impact (Pardode-Santayana and Macia 2015).
A local case study involves a parasitic plant (Cynomorium coccineum) believed
to have medicinal properties and found primarily in one site in the Maltese Islands.
During the rule of the Knights of the Order of St. John, the perceived value of the plant
was so high that samples were gifted to visiting dignitaries and the site was placed
under military surveillance. In this case, protection was imposed for the personal
gain of the Grandmaster (Deidun 2010).
2.9 Humans and Their Perceptions of Nature
Possession of knowledge, awareness and a positive attitude towards nature and the
benefits of biodiversity does not necessarily translate into environmentally friendly
behaviour. Whether knowledge influences behaviour, or whether it influences attitudes, which in turn influence behaviour, is an ongoing debate with support for
both options (Eilam and Trop 2012). Other potential pathways exist, and Smith and
Louis (2009) postulate that group norms are essential in influencing the relationship
between attitude and behaviour. When a practice becomes accepted by society or the
referent group to which an individual belongs, that practice is adopted.
39
urban waterway management programmes incorporate such species into their designs
(Mounir et al. 2017; Wang et al. 2017).
2.7 Loss of Human-Nature Connection
The manner in which people perceive nature is positively related to the amount of
time spent in nature throughout their lives (Soga et al. 2016).
Many people tend to spend most of their time indoors or away from nature.
This relationship between man and nature (often referred to as the “Human-Nature
Connection”, HNC) has deteriorated and this disconnection impacts human health
and well-being (Ives et al. 2017; Soga and Gaston 2016).
Soga and Gaston (2016) report several data sets that show a decline in outdoor
activity across several generations and propose that the consequences of this decline
include changes to health and well-being, as well as emotional, attitudinal and
behavioural changes. These consequences in turn may further aggravate and intensify
the disconnection with nature.
2.8 Sustainable Exploitation
The likelihood of sustainable exploitation is higher if the local biodiversity is used
for personal needs, rather than as a source of income with no personal impact (Pardode-Santayana and Macia 2015).
A local case study involves a parasitic plant (Cynomorium coccineum) believed
to have medicinal properties and found primarily in one site in the Maltese Islands.
During the rule of the Knights of the Order of St. John, the perceived value of the plant
was so high that samples were gifted to visiting dignitaries and the site was placed
under military surveillance. In this case, protection was imposed for the personal
gain of the Grandmaster (Deidun 2010).
2.9 Humans and Their Perceptions of Nature
Possession of knowledge, awareness and a positive attitude towards nature and the
benefits of biodiversity does not necessarily translate into environmentally friendly
behaviour. Whether knowledge influences behaviour, or whether it influences attitudes, which in turn influence behaviour, is an ongoing debate with support for
both options (Eilam and Trop 2012). Other potential pathways exist, and Smith and
Louis (2009) postulate that group norms are essential in influencing the relationship
between attitude and behaviour. When a practice becomes accepted by society or the
referent group to which an individual belongs, that practice is adopted.