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The Promise of Wilderness Between Paradise and Hell: A Cultural-Historical Exploration of a Dutch National Park

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  • Koen Arts
  • Anke Fischer
  • René Van der Wal

Abstract

‘Wilderness’ is often seen as a (biophysical) ideal state in contemporary debates on ecological restoration. We ask what is left of relationships with ‘wilderness’ in present-day Western societies by drawing on a case study of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Netherlands. A brief history of wilderness interpretations is constructed as a backdrop to the analysis of the Veluwean land use history. Herein, wilderness aspects are conceptualised as ‘paradise-like’ or ‘hell-like’, thus providing insight into the origins, limits and dynamics of contemporary wilderness concepts. We conclude that the concept of wilderness is inherently paradoxical, and argue that wilderness paradoxes should be not be ignored, but acknowledged and valued in conservation practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Koen Arts & Anke Fischer & René Van der Wal, 2012. "The Promise of Wilderness Between Paradise and Hell: A Cultural-Historical Exploration of a Dutch National Park," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(3), pages 239-256.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:clarxx:v:37:y:2012:i:3:p:239-256
    DOI: 10.1080/01426397.2011.589896
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    Cited by:

    1. Koen Arts & Maiara Thaisa Oliveira Rabelo & Daniela Maimoni De Figueiredo & Georgina Maffey & Antonio Augusto Rossotto Ioris & Pierre Girard, 2018. "Online and Offline Representations of Biocultural Diversity: A Political Ecology Perspective on Nature-Based Tourism and Indigenous Communities in the Brazilian Pantanal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Åsa Davidsson & Magnus Johansson & Carl Bonander, 2021. "Desirable Effects from Disturbance Ecology—A Paradox within Conservation Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-20, June.

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