Withering Away: Redefining Our Withering Connection with Nature by National Institute of Design (NID)

This study explores the relationship between human communities and natural ecosystems, focusing on what happens when they intersect. We aim to understand how conflicts and losses are seen and managed by people when humans and nature interact. In today’s world, environmental damage and climate change are serious problems, making it important to investigate why people have become disconnected from nature and why our view of nature has shifted. This research looks at the reasons behind this disconnection and suggests ways to promote a more sustainable and balanced coexistence between humans and nature.

Our findings show that human interactions with nature have mainly been extractive, driven by a desire for constant economic growth. This approach heavily relies on using up natural resources without considering long-term impacts. As a result, we have seen significant biodiversity loss and environmental damage, causing communities to feel more detached from nature. This disconnection threatens the balance of ecosystems, pushing them beyond their limits and putting their future at risk.

The comprehensive system map visualises the interconnectedness of humans and nature, recognising both humans and nature as key stakeholders while looking at it through ecological, social, political, legal, and economic perspectives. To address these issues, we pinpointed areas where proactive interventions could mitigate the negative impacts of our past actions on the environment. These leverage points highlight the need for a shift from exploiting nature to understanding the interconnectedness of all living things and recognising that Earth’s resources are finite. The map also emphasises the importance of including various types of knowledge, like traditional ecological knowledge and scientific research, to create better strategies for managing natural resources.

In conclusion, the collapse of the system is inevitable, but as an integral part of it, we need to start working for a long-term shift towards harmony with the environment to increase the longevity of a stable ecosystem, minimise our footprint, and support a healthy economy.