TY - JOUR

T1 - Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations

AU - Riechers, Maraja

AU - Loos, Jacqueline

AU - Balázsi, Ágnes

AU - García-Llorente, Marina

AU - Bieling, Claudia

AU - Burgos-Ayala, Aracely

AU - Chakroun, Leila

AU - Mattijssen, Thomas J.M.

AU - Muhr, Maximilian M.

AU - Pérez-Ramírez, Irene

AU - Raatikainen, Kaisa J.

AU - Rana, Sakshi

AU - Richardson, Miles

AU - Rosengren, Linda

AU - West, Simon

PY - 2021/5

Y1 - 2021/5

N2 - This perspective paper synthesises the special issue ‘Human-nature connectedness as a leverage point for sustainability transformation’. Based on the articles in this special issue, we aim to foster the operationalisation of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations to enable sustainability transformations. Specifically, we draw on four key advantages of the leverage points perspective: (i) the explicit recognition of deep leverage points; (ii) the ability to examine the interactions between shallow and deep system changes; (iii) the combination of causal and teleological modes of research; and (iv) the ability to function as a methodological boundary object. The contributions to this special issue revealed three deep leverage points addressing paradigm shifts in research and beyond: relational thinking and values, stewardship philosophy and shifting the economic growth paradigm to focus on human well-being. We highlight interlinkages between leverage points to further strengthen the transformative potential of interventions that aim at triggering shifts in our understanding about human-nature relations. Further, we show a way to bridge causal and teleological approaches by envisioning desired futures. Lastly, we emphasise the potential of arts-based methodologies, including participatory, transdisciplinary research to foster sustainability transformation and how this can be combined within the leverage points perspective.

AB - This perspective paper synthesises the special issue ‘Human-nature connectedness as a leverage point for sustainability transformation’. Based on the articles in this special issue, we aim to foster the operationalisation of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations to enable sustainability transformations. Specifically, we draw on four key advantages of the leverage points perspective: (i) the explicit recognition of deep leverage points; (ii) the ability to examine the interactions between shallow and deep system changes; (iii) the combination of causal and teleological modes of research; and (iv) the ability to function as a methodological boundary object. The contributions to this special issue revealed three deep leverage points addressing paradigm shifts in research and beyond: relational thinking and values, stewardship philosophy and shifting the economic growth paradigm to focus on human well-being. We highlight interlinkages between leverage points to further strengthen the transformative potential of interventions that aim at triggering shifts in our understanding about human-nature relations. Further, we show a way to bridge causal and teleological approaches by envisioning desired futures. Lastly, we emphasise the potential of arts-based methodologies, including participatory, transdisciplinary research to foster sustainability transformation and how this can be combined within the leverage points perspective.

KW - Alexander van Oudenhoven

KW - Human-nature connectedness

KW - milieu

KW - relational turn

KW - relational values

KW - stewardship

KW - transformative change

KW - Ecosystems Research

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85105093268&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/26395916.2021.1912829

DO - 10.1080/26395916.2021.1912829

M3 - Journal articles

AN - SCOPUS:85105093268

VL - 17

SP - 205

EP - 214

JO - Ecosystems and People

JF - Ecosystems and People

SN - 2639-5908

IS - 1

ER -