‘Human-nature relations like a boomerang’: a case study on children’s visions of nature

This study examines the views and values of children regarding nature and the human-nature relationship using Visions of Nature framework components, namely images of nature, values towards nature, and images of human-nature relationship (typologies). Employing a case study, semi-structured interviews along with guided-imagery and photo-elicitation techniques were used. The findings revealed that nature was viewed as away from city life and technology, where natural settings were depicted as forests and wetlands with various animal species. Mostly nature was seen as indispensable by rationalizing its importance with instrumental value, focusing on nature's necessity for humans' survival and health. For typologies showing the appropriate relationship between humans and nature, the children preferred Steward, Partner, and Participant. This study comprehensively approaches the interplays between visions of nature components and introduces a new visual-qualitative tool to examine children's views on the human-nature relationship. It suggests for school curricula to incorporate diverse perspectives for visions of nature to prepare future generations to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). [GRAPHICS] .

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Environmental Education Research
Published
2025-03-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2025.2483438
Primary Topic
Environmental Education and Sustainability
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

‘Human-nature relations like a boomerang’: a case study on children’s visions of nature

Elvan Sahın, Ceren Baser-Kanbak
Environmental Education Research
Environmental Education and Sustainability
article

‘Human-nature relations like a boomerang’: a case study on children’s visions of nature

Elvan Sahın, Ceren Baser-Kanbak
article en

Abstract

This study examines the views and values of children regarding nature and the human-nature relationship using Visions of Nature framework components, namely images of nature, values towards nature, and images of human-nature relationship (typologies). Employing a case study, semi-structured interviews along with guided-imagery and photo-elicitation techniques were used. The findings revealed that nature was viewed as away from city life and technology, where natural settings were depicted as forests and wetlands with various animal species. Mostly nature was seen as indispensable by rationalizing its importance with instrumental value, focusing on nature's necessity for humans' survival and health. For typologies showing the appropriate relationship between humans and nature, the children preferred Steward, Partner, and Participant. This study comprehensively approaches the interplays between visions of nature components and introduces a new visual-qualitative tool to examine children's views on the human-nature relationship. It suggests for school curricula to incorporate diverse perspectives for visions of nature to prepare future generations to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). [GRAPHICS] .

Environmental Education ResearchVol. 32(1)
Middle East Technical University (TR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 91%
Environmental Education and Sustainability
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.