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Research in Murdoch’s School of Environmental Science has thrown new light on ways to approach environmental management in agricultural areas.Dr Susan Moore took an innovative approach to interviewing 27 farming families along the Avon River, providing participants aged from three to 81 years old with disposable cameras to photograph the river. The photographs were then used to frame Dr Moore’s interviews with participants about their impressions of the river and their farming lands. “Many farmers tend to have reservations about government officials and university academics, but with this method the interview flowed freely within the first five minutes,” she said. “This technique has been commonly used in anthropological studies, particularly with people who may be suspicious of researchers or have lower literary skills, but has not been widely used in environmental science.” Dr Moore found families had very complex relationships with the river and associated lands, not only viewing the river as a useful resource, but also appreciating its aesthetics and recreational potential. Many families enjoyed watching the wildlife at the river and had a strong sense of its personal historical importance. Others expressed a sense of irritation about the river splitting their properties and many expressed concerns about the negative effects of part-time “hobby” farmers on the environment and the community. “One of our most encouraging findings was that environmental restoration of the river by fencing, excavating pools and tree-planting is now regarded by farmers as part of the usual business of farming,” said Dr Moore. “In the past, such activities have been regarded as add-ons and not really an integral part of farming. This study demonstrates that decision makers should not assume that people have unidimensional viewpoints and relationships with their natural environment. “This study is a valuable tool for implementing sustainable environmental planning in agricultural areas.” |
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Editor: Pepi Smyth
Produced by the ">Office
of Community Relations, Murdoch
University |
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