Natureboth

Natureboth is a term used in environmental humanities and ecology to denote the inseparable connection between natural systems and human social systems. It asserts that nature and culture are co-constitutive rather than distinct realms, and that human action and ecological processes continuously shape each other.

The word blends nature and both to signal dual belonging. Since the early 2000s, natureboth has appeared in scholarly discussions of urban ecosystems, conservation policy, and environmental education as a way to articulate reciprocal influence and shared governance.

In theoretical terms, natureboth situates humans and ecosystems within a single, coupled system. It emphasizes feedback loops, resilience, and biocultural diversity, and it aligns with frameworks such as socio-ecological systems and actor-network theory.

Applications include urban planning and design, where natureboth is used to justify green infrastructure that supports biodiversity while delivering social benefits; planning processes also leverage the concept to encourage participatory methods and community stewardship.

Critics note that the term can be vague and open to misinterpretation if not clearly defined in context. Proponents argue it offers a useful heuristic for integrating ecological and social objectives, provided it is defined operationally and tied to specific outcomes.

Related concepts include socio-ecological systems, biocultural diversity, and nature-society studies.