The concept of the extinction of experience has a long history. It was introduced in 1978 by writer-biologist Robert Pyle to describe the decline in the number of people having valuable experiences in nature. This widening gap between humans and nature is leading to further degradation of biodiversity.
This symposium takes place in connection with the publication of The Woman Who Remained Silent, a book by Thomas van Slobbe, director of the wAarde Foundation, on the extinction of experience. Additionally, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the wAarde Foundation. We will also learn about the research of Bernadette van Heel on nature connectedness, for which she will soon be receiving her PhD. Bernadette is completing her PhD at the Centre Connecting Humans and Nature at the Institute for Science in Society of Radboud University.
Programme
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Reception with coffee and tea
2:00 pm – 2:20 pm: Opening by chair Noelle Aarts (Radboud University)
2:20 pm – 2:50 pm: Lecture on The Extinction of Experience by Thomas van Slobbe (wAarde Foundation)
2:50 pm – 3:20 pm: Lecture on Roots of Nature Connectedness – Pathways to Strengthening Nature Experiences through Life Stages by Bernadette van Heel (Radboud University)
3:20 pm – 3:50 pm: Break
3:50 pm – 4:35 pm: Discussion with panel and audience on the future of nature experiences, featuring panellists Riyan van den Born (Researcher, Radboud University), Rob Sweere (Artist), and Sebastiaan Grosscurt (Nature Journalist)
4:35 pm – 4:45 pm: Closing remarks
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm: Drinks
