Are field recordists who wild camp exploiting nature?

This audio paper discusses whether field recordists who wild camp exploit nature. By temporarily residing in the wild, a deeper familiarity with the environment and higher sensory awareness were developed, reducing feeling of an intruder and more like a part of the ecosystem. However, this engagement raises ethical questions regarding the potential exploitation of nature, prompting a critical examination of ecophilosophy, environmental impacts, and ecopsychology. The eco-colonisation point of view addresses nature as a marginalised group, which falls under the shallow ecology perspective. The eco-colonist hierarchy separates humans and non-humans, and assumes that humans are superior to others, nature. By adopting a deep ecology perspective, anthropocentric views were challenged and the intrinsic value of all living beings was highlighted. Yet, practically and physically, a power imbalance between humans and nature still exists as there is no consent given by nature. Despite acknowledging the inevitable negative environmental impacts associated with field recordists who wild camp, such as carbon footprints and habitat degradation, the concept of the “wildness effect” was considered in terms of ecopsychology. This suggests that prolonged exposure to nature can transform human consciousness, promoting a sense of interconnectedness. Ultimately, this paper advocates minimising exploitation when in nature.

Bio

https://sites.google.com/view/tata-cheng/

Tata is a musician and sound artist graduated from the University of the Arts London in BA (Hons) Sound Arts. He practices field recording and composition in the settings of improvisational sound performances and theatre to explore deep ecology and human experiences in the wilderness. He’s interested in how wilderness survival practices can alter human sensations and how humans could be immersed in nature as one.

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