naturecentric

Naturecentric is a term used to describe a worldview, design philosophy, or policy stance that centers the natural world and its processes in decision-making. It prioritizes ecosystem integrity, biodiversity, and the sustained provision of ecosystem services such as clean water, pollination, climate regulation, and cultural or recreational value. While related to ecocentrism or biocentrism, naturecentric typically foregrounds the functioning of natural systems as the foundation for human welfare, rather than asserting intrinsic value of nature apart from its utility to people. It can be understood along a spectrum from stewardship and restoration to a broader recognition of interdependence between humans and nonhuman life.

In practice, naturecentric approaches appear in conservation planning, landscape-scale restoration, and nature-based solutions in urban design. They aim to maintain ecological connectivity, reduce habitat fragmentation, and prioritize native species and processes. These approaches also influence policy and education, promoting ecological literacy, precaution in development, and the incorporation of indigenous and local knowledge about living with the land.

Critics argue that the term can be vague or difficult to apply in contexts with competing social and economic needs, and that measuring “nature-centric” outcomes poses challenges. Proponents respond that explicit goals, transparent metrics, and inclusive governance can align human well-being with ecological health.

Related concepts include ecocentrism, biocentrism, and nature-based solutions. Naturecentric thinking informs practices across conservation, urban planning, and sustainable development, seeking to harmonize human activities with the resilience of natural systems.