Abstract:
Through investigating nature relationships in the South African urban context of the City of Tshwane, this study aims to find insights into community perceptions and opinions as well as the type of nature relationships that exist in the context. Ten one-on-one interviews were conducted guided by two research questions that firstly focus on the existing relationships and influences and secondly on local informants and specifically functional nature relationships. The research makes use of in-depth analysis and understanding of human-centred, context-specific relations with urban nature. People in the city relate with nature in various different forms often driven by relational values and recognised nature benefits. These benefits and relations include, but are not limited to food, energy, water, healing, cultural significance, economic opportunities, trade and agriculture. The influences and aspects, affecting these relationships locally, are important to understand the context that impact on nature relations. Family interactions, childhood experiences, exposure to nature and traditional environmental knowledge acquired during formative years contribute to the existence and development of functional nature relationships. Understanding these nature relationships requires a comprehensive understanding of value systems, community dynamics and contextual realities. In unpacking some of these relations, this paper sheds light on the intricacies of nature relationships existing in the City of Tshwane, providing valuable insight for urban planners and designers to create sustainable and meaningful human-environment interactions in the community's context and beyond.
