Swiss Regional Nature Parks: Sustainable Rural and Mountain Development Through Transformative Learning?

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 d...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rebecca Hunziker, Thomas Hofstetter
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: International Mountain Society 2020-11-01
Series:Mountain Research and Development
Subjects:
Online Access:https://bioone.org/doi/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-20-00027.1
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:0276-4741
1994-7151