Ramifications of Language used in the Non-native Species Debate

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1 Ramifications of Language used in the Non-native Species Debate Presentation for The Science of Biosecurity and Biosecuring Science Seminar No.2 ESRC Seminar Series 3-4 June 2010 Keele University Judy Ling Wong CBE. HonFCIWEM. FRSA. HonPhD Director UK. Black Environment Network

2 Mission Statement Black Environment Network is established to enable full ethnic participation in the environmental and heritage sectors We use the word black symbolically recognising that the black communities are the most visible of all ethnic groups We work with black, white and other ethnic minorities

3 Change is the coming together of Thinking Feeling And Action Judy Ling Wong

4 Holistic Representation - A Multicultural Landscape The cumulative effect of representation or lack of representation of shared multicultural histories within cultural institutions powerfully shapes national identity and influences the boundaries of the life opportunities of citizens. At the present time, we are living in an complex era that aspires to equality and inclusion There are challenging roles for professional organisations, representative community organisations, community groups and individuals to work together to open up opportunities for full participation by ethnic communities in our built and natural heritage

5 Who we are and what we can achieve depends on how we see ourselves against the enormous pressure of how others see us Judy Ling Wong Black Environment Network

6 The movement of plants parallel the movement of people. The neglect of the history expressed in what we see all around us had led to a lack of a perspective that engages everyone meaningfully. The consequence of a loss of potential re the essential involvement of people in the care and protection of our natural heritage. Judy Ling Wong

7 Native = Good Non-native = Bad The key issue is that the use of terms has resulted in a simplified distorted image that does not serve either the scientific or the general community at large in terms of engaging everyone in the understanding, care and protection of our natural heritage

8 There is a need for a participation framework that consciously works at releasing the full power of holistic representation. One element of this is language awareness The BEN formula - supporting both sides Community and individual empowerment - Physical and intellectual access for the full range of social groups - Cultural exploration and expression through activities - Confidence and opportunities to lead Organisational empowerment - Organisational commitment to inclusion - Awareness and understanding of holistic representation - Implementation of holistic representation (Dialogue and activities)

9 Marking a place with memory Khalsa Wood. Nottingham - tree planting to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Khalsa (A cultural landmark and a statement of commitment)

10 Negotiating identity through contact and participation British history is also ours

11 Hidden Skills and Knowledge Arts and Crafts as vehicles for negotiation, interchange, discovery and dialogue

12 Cultural sharing through revelation in context Linking people, artefacts, wildlife and ways of life

13 The Environment is a setting for physical and cultural activity Asylum seekers/refugees in Peak District National Park

14 Focusing on cultural links Storytelling and Jewellery Making at the Royal Museum. Edinburgh

15 The Movement of Plants parallel the Movement of People Growing plants from all over the world for vegetable beds, windowboxes and gardens - Chumleigh Gardens. London

16 Visibility in the Countryside Fun day at Culzean Castle. Scotland

17 There is no such thing as a pure environmental project. A so called pure environmental project is one that has neglected its social, cultural, and economic context. Judy Ling Wong

18 The Native Non-native Debate Immigrant Settler Migration Naturalised Exotic Introduced Alien Invasive Foreign Indigenous Prohibited Restricted Niche opportunity Stages of Invasion Movement of people Garden Escape Dispersal Introduction Colonisation Invasion Local Presence/Global Presence Endangered National Identity British Scottish Welsh European Definition of Multiculturalism Definition of Native Control Noxious weed Cultivar Transformers Farmland Plantations Nature Reserves National Parks An impoverished fauna and flora

19 Naked Xenophobia A glance at the literature illustrates this. Trepl (1990) quotes Braun-Blanquet, no less, to make the point the spreading of foreign, unwanted intruders (..) has taken on a threatening form (..)violent attack of foreign (species) ( ) become a terrible scourge over the land ( ) be fought with all available means. This reads more like a far-right political pamphlet than serious science. George Barker British creatures fight for survival in rivers and meadows as aliens stage an invasion of the wild. Headline from the issue of The Independent

20 Invest in the establishment of full participation Combine the promotion of sound science with life concerns to create motivation for environmental care Mark significant environmental sites with familial and communal memory Promote a sense of belonging through a warm welcome the basis for full active citizenship Nurture cultural expression and the negotiation of identity to strengthen ownership Recognise the impact of displacement Work imaginatively and have fun Make connections that have depth Support a living heritage that links people and nature Create new heritage points of reference

21 Change comes through the coming together of Thinking Feeling And Action Judy Ling Wong

22 People are a Force for Change We need to Care, Share and Dare to share power in order to switch on the essential full contribution by people to a Sustainable Future Organisations, community groups, and individuals can work together across different sectors using their knowledge, skills and passion to shape our future. Working with minorities is not about doing a favour for small groups of vulnerable people. It is about working towards the vision of an inclusive society of which we can all be proud Judy Ling Wong

23 Recommended Reading Weblink for BEN publications and resources All BEN resources and publications are downloadable free Hard copies can be ordered from Articles and papers under Ethnic Environmental Participation Volumes 1 to 5 Judy Ling Wong The Cultural and Social Values of Plants and Landscapes. The Native and Alien issue. Multi-cultural Interpretation and Access to Heritage Visualising Heritage Participation by Ethnic Groups Taking action within the Historic Environment Sector to link people and place Dreaming for real: Engaging Socially Excluded Communities in the Built and Natural Environment Jonah Peretti Nativism and Nature: rethinking Biological Invasion George Barker Which Wildlife? What People?

24 For information about BEN and BEN services including training, advice and consultancy contact: All BEN publications and resources are downloadable free from:

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