148
E. Bigando
Some divers also mentioned their desire to observe natural elements of the underwater landscape, such as the relief or the nature of the bedrock (7), or else specific
species of flora and fauna, either stationary or moving (7). This desire is motivated
by naturalist concerns.
Finally, we identified an underlying desire for diverse/varied experiences (6).
Some divers are eager to explore new landscapes (5), like the sea-discoverers of old,
and this is more or less explicitly expressed contrast with the stale, less adventurous
landscapes dry land has to offer. Others are in search of contemplation (3) or simply
keen to expand their minds (3). Whatever the case may be, the resulting effect is
generally one of ‘absolute bliss’, of ‘consummate pleasure’ and a ‘feeling of intense
satisfaction.’
By way of a conclusion on this point, we might quote one diver who referred to
the underwater landscape with a pun on the French word dépaysement (a change
of scenery), calling it as a dépaysagement (a ‘de-landscaping’). In other words,
for that individual, the underwater landscape really is a means of plunging into the
unknown. . .
9.5 Conclusion
This survey is a preliminary exploration of the subject, and its results should be
regarded with a certain reservation. Nonetheless, the content and quality of the
answers gathered in the survey provide us with important information with which to
fuel future reflection on how those portions of the underwater world to which human
access may be gained are perceived, and on the role that landscape can play in our
understanding of the relationship between mankind and the subaqueous world.
It is our hope that this exploration of the question will contribute meaningfully to
a general recognition that the concept of ‘underwater landscape’ exists by right, so
that it may become much more than a hollow expression. We also hope it will draw
attention to the importance of looking at how those who frequent this environment
do actually see it (the vernacular gaze) so that the notion may be grasped in all its
rich complexity.
The concept of landscape, in its general sense, offers the advantage of transcending
not only disciplinary frontiers but also the sphere of science. It is a notion that can be
understood by everybody, ranging from those in charge of regional affairs to all of us
as ordinary citizens. We might then argue that the landscape has a major role to play
as a tool for mediation and citizen participation. It has already proved a rallying point
on dry land
4 . The challenge ahead concerns the undersea world. It is our belief that
the underwater landscape can also offer a response to the challenges of regional and
4 See, for example, two experiments carried out in (and with) the community of people living in
the Pau area (Bigando 2008, Bigando et al. 2010)—two participatory initiatives involving local
inhabitants with reference to their daily experience of the landscape. One of these two experiments
was associated with an environmental management project concerning the creation of an urban
nature park along the banks of the Gave de Pau.
E. Bigando
Some divers also mentioned their desire to observe natural elements of the underwater landscape, such as the relief or the nature of the bedrock (7), or else specific
species of flora and fauna, either stationary or moving (7). This desire is motivated
by naturalist concerns.
Finally, we identified an underlying desire for diverse/varied experiences (6).
Some divers are eager to explore new landscapes (5), like the sea-discoverers of old,
and this is more or less explicitly expressed contrast with the stale, less adventurous
landscapes dry land has to offer. Others are in search of contemplation (3) or simply
keen to expand their minds (3). Whatever the case may be, the resulting effect is
generally one of ‘absolute bliss’, of ‘consummate pleasure’ and a ‘feeling of intense
satisfaction.’
By way of a conclusion on this point, we might quote one diver who referred to
the underwater landscape with a pun on the French word dépaysement (a change
of scenery), calling it as a dépaysagement (a ‘de-landscaping’). In other words,
for that individual, the underwater landscape really is a means of plunging into the
unknown. . .
9.5 Conclusion
This survey is a preliminary exploration of the subject, and its results should be
regarded with a certain reservation. Nonetheless, the content and quality of the
answers gathered in the survey provide us with important information with which to
fuel future reflection on how those portions of the underwater world to which human
access may be gained are perceived, and on the role that landscape can play in our
understanding of the relationship between mankind and the subaqueous world.
It is our hope that this exploration of the question will contribute meaningfully to
a general recognition that the concept of ‘underwater landscape’ exists by right, so
that it may become much more than a hollow expression. We also hope it will draw
attention to the importance of looking at how those who frequent this environment
do actually see it (the vernacular gaze) so that the notion may be grasped in all its
rich complexity.
The concept of landscape, in its general sense, offers the advantage of transcending
not only disciplinary frontiers but also the sphere of science. It is a notion that can be
understood by everybody, ranging from those in charge of regional affairs to all of us
as ordinary citizens. We might then argue that the landscape has a major role to play
as a tool for mediation and citizen participation. It has already proved a rallying point
on dry land
4 . The challenge ahead concerns the undersea world. It is our belief that
the underwater landscape can also offer a response to the challenges of regional and
4 See, for example, two experiments carried out in (and with) the community of people living in
the Pau area (Bigando 2008, Bigando et al. 2010)—two participatory initiatives involving local
inhabitants with reference to their daily experience of the landscape. One of these two experiments
was associated with an environmental management project concerning the creation of an urban
nature park along the banks of the Gave de Pau.