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BIOREGIONALISM IN LATVIA: ETHICAL JUSTIFICATION FOR A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO NATURAL VALUES
Abstract
Preservation of natural values is among the major concerns of residents of bioregions. The present research identifies such values by applying the normative approaches of environmental ethics and aesthetics. From the ethical perspective, disagreements can arise from the fact of value pluralism, as there is a variety of natural and other values that cannot be easily quantitatively compared and harmonized. Local communities see natural values not so much through scientific concepts such as biodiversity but directly, particularly through the perceptual impact of landscapes as scenic. This understanding can lead to disagreements with supporters of profit-making enterprises and new projects. In addition, aesthetic values such as the picturesque that are significant for residents could be regarded as superficial and subjective. This leads to the problem of how to assess the significance of the values by taking into account insights of philosophical aesthetics. There are successfully functioning bioregions in several European countries, yet this is a relatively new concept in Latvia. The interviews and discussions with members of local communities revealed their interests and understanding of natural values. The present research aims to justify a community-based approach to the protection of natural values by applying theoretical approaches of environmental ethics and aesthetics, while taking into account the empirical research results.
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