Assessing the epistemic dimension of people–place relationships for inclusive ecosystem governance

A strong connection between people's knowledge and their emotional bonds to place, termed 'epistemic bonding,' significantly influences perceptions of ecosystem governance. This study found that higher epistemic bonding correlates with long-term residency, family history in the area, and a more negative stance towards official nature protection in Finland. By analyzing survey data from 306 residents of the High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site, researchers demonstrated that epistemic bonding is closely tied to place dependence and identity. This concept highlights how diverse ways of knowing shape responses to environmental decision-making, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance that recognizes multiple forms of knowledge.

Hakkarainen, V., Soini, K., & Raymond, C. M. (2025). Assessing the epistemic dimension of people–place relationships for inclusive ecosystem governance. People and Nature, 8(2), 504–523. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70228