Cultural values

The cultural value of biological diversity conservation for present and future generations is an important reason for conserving it today. Human cultures co-evolve with their environment, and therefore the conservation of biological diversity can also be important for cultural identity. The natural environment provides many inspirational, aesthetic, spiritual and educational needs of people from all cultures both now and in the future.

The aesthetic values of our natural ecosystems and landscapes contribute to the emotional and spiritual well being of a highly urbanised population. The conservation of biological diversity also has ethical benefits. The presence of a wide range of living organisms reminds people that they are but one interdependent part of Earth.

Aboriginal relationships to the land and sea, and its animals and plants are complex. To these people the land and sea have deep spiritual, economic, social, protective and recreational significance. Biological diversity conservation can contribute to the conservation of Aboriginal cultural identity. Landscapes also reflect cultural diversity. We value this diversity because it contributes to our sense of belonging. It is the essence of our interpretation of viewing reality. Landscapes have embodied local history and inspired the imaginations of different populations for thousands of years.