Drawing relations on a sunken island; A multi-species ethnography in a young nature reserve

Abstract

"The Dutch delta nature is changing along the policy turn towards nature-based solutions. Polders are filled with water and beaver can build their castles, so also on the island of Tiengemeten. Nature is young here and still becoming. This seven-kilometer long island has been repurposed by the provincial council, and the farmers working the fields there, were displaced. This thesis discovers what was lost and what was gained according to the experiences of people related to the island today. Identities and position towards nature changed along with the new non-human inhabitants. This multi-species ethnography attempts to include more species besides humans, that are making the landscape. How the human residents position themselves into this new environment has been explored with the use of the participatory action mapping method. The research data lead to the argument and warning, that during the process of naturification for an increase in biodiversity, could occur at the expense of cultural diversity by disrupting community fabrics and local knowledge. Justice is not only the fair share of space and resources, but the also recognition for a community, identity, its knowledge and its local uses."