Nature narratives: Eden, spoils or garden
Social narratives around nonhuman life on Earth shape how we interrogate, value and act upon it.

These storylines have changed substantially over time, not fully replacing each other. Empirical evidence has accumulated supporting both deep connections between humans and other organisms, and ancient and pervasive human influence on the biosphere (“nature as garden”). However, technical definitions, institutions, policy goals, and recommended actions have lagged behind, being more aligned with the “nature as Eden” and “nature as spoils of war” narratives, which are arguably two sides of the same coin –a stark physical and ontological separation between people and the rest of life on Earth.

In this talk, Prof Sandra Díaz will unpack the “nature as garden” narrative, some of its cornerstones and challenges, and what it means for policy and action.
Date: 5 March 2025, 17:00
Venue: Oxford Martin School, 34 Broad Street OX1 3BD
Venue Details: Lecture Theatre (and Online)
Speaker: Professor Sandra Diaz (Universidad Nacional de Córdoba)
Organising department: Oxford Martin School
Organiser: Oxford Martin School (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: events@oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Oxford Martin School Events
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/events/nature-narratives
Cost: Free
Audience: Public
Editor: Hannah Mitchell