Abstract
Swiss regional nature parks are intended to be model regions for sustainable regional development in rural areas. It is often claimed that achieving sustainable development requires a transformation. One approach whereby parks could foster this is through transformative learning (TL). This article discusses attachment development (AD) of local people to a park from the perspective of TL. AD and TL have many similarities, and a transformation can be achieved through AD. Furthermore, TL theory offers a theoretical concept for explaining characteristics of AD. Several essential aspects have to be secured: an initial “emptiness” is needed as a “disorienting dilemma” to start the process. Further, there must be enough time and openness for processes and results. If these aspects are given, AD not only enables a transformation, but also increases the park's success.
Highlights
Swiss regional nature parks are considered to be ‘‘innovative regions for sustainable regional development’’ (BAFU 2018: 71; all quotes from German sources were translated by the authors of this article) in rural areas
Kandler and Tippelt (2010: 710) argue that ‘‘education is the path to sustainability.’’ This corresponds to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s ‘‘Framework for the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) beyond 2019’’ (UNESCO 2019: Annex I, 5), which offers guidance on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The most important aspect of attachment development (AD) is the starting point for forming a regional nature park: most people did not know what a park was exactly or what it meant for them, and in particular they were irritated by the name nature park (Hunziker 2018)
Summary
Swiss regional nature parks are considered to be ‘‘innovative regions for sustainable regional development’’ (BAFU 2018: 71; all quotes from German sources were translated by the authors of this article) in rural areas. On the other hand, Kandler and Tippelt (2010: 710) argue that ‘‘education is the path to sustainability.’’ This corresponds to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s ‘‘Framework for the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) beyond 2019’’ (UNESCO 2019: Annex I, 5), which offers guidance on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 4 and Target 4.7, where ‘‘transformative action’’ is a main focus (UNESCO 2019: Annex II, 4)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
