As you explore Rooted in Ethics, you’ll come across the term "biocultural restoration"—but what does it really mean? At its heart, this approach is about restoring both Nature and our relationship with it, recognising that the well-being of ecosystems and communities are deeply intertwined.

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Around the world, the belief that humans are separate from Nature has led to decisions that harm the very systems that sustain life. This disconnection has disrupted traditional ways of caring for the land and severed cultural ties that have existed for generations.

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But history tells a different story. Many cultures have long-held relationships with Nature, rooted in reciprocity, respect, and stewardship. Over time, much of this wisdom has been eroded or silenced, often through the lens of dominant Western narratives.

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Biocultural restoration is a holistic approach that honours the intrinsic connection between people and place. It is both a science and an art, working to restore not just ecosystems, but also the cultural knowledge, traditions, and relationships that sustain them. This means that as forests, rivers, and landscapes heal, so too do the cultures and communities connected to them.

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This approach bridges the gap between ecological restoration and environmental justice—ensuring that restoration is guided by cultural values, aligned with community priorities, and rooted in long-term resilience.

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So why does it matter? By embracing both ecological and cultural restoration, we move beyond just healing landscapes—we begin to repair our relationship with Nature itself. Through biocultural restoration, we can create a future where communities and ecosystems thrive together, strengthening the bonds that have always existed between people and the living world.