Spiritual revelation in wilderness under down-under

Abstract

People may well be attracted to wild places in pursuit of deeper meanings. There is an increasing body of western literature emphasizing people’s loss of spiritual relationship with the Earth, and an emerging body of literature on the importance and role of spirituality in protected area management. However, little work has been done linking the two, particularly work utilizing empirical methodology. There is a challenge for wilderness managers; the integration of spiritual values into wilderness planning and management processes. Filling a knowledge gap in Australia, this exploratory research uses a predominantly quantitative research design to: (1) help recognize and understand people’s spiritual relationships with, and sense of spiritual attachment to, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area; (2) assist future management planning and operational decisions in Tasmania; and (3) inform wilderness management practices more generally. A self-reporting, mail-back questionnaire has been developed and a pilot study of a random sample of the general population conducted. The survey instrument included a psychometric scale, qualitative and other questions, and photographs. Preliminary results confirm respondents have a spiritual affinity with the Tasmanian wilderness. A larger survey using a stratified sample is planned.

Parent Publication

• Science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values: Eighth World Wilderness Congress symposium

Citation

Ashley, Peter. 2007. Spiritual revelation in wilderness under down-under. In: Watson, Alan; Sproull, Janet; Dean, Liese, comps. Science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values: Eighth World Wilderness Congress symposium; September 30-October 6, 2005; Anchorage, AK. Proceedings RMRS-P-49. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 431-437