How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2003 CULTURAL PERCEPTIONS OF SMALL URBAN WETLANDS: CASES FROM THE HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
Patricia M. Manuel
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Urban wetlands, despite their imperfections, provide natural and aesthetic landscape diversity in the built environment. We are beginning to understand and document the ecological significance of this diversity and the management challenges presented by the urban context. The cultural significance of urban wetlands has not received similar attention. The research presented in this paper explores the relationship between people and wetlands in local neighborhood settings. We surveyed residents of three urban communities in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada for their knowledge about and perceptions of a small wetland in each of their respective neighborhoods. Results of the survey show that the study participants are aware of the wetlands in their midst but are not especially observant of or knowledgeable about ‘their’ sites, nor do they visit their wetlands regularly. Yet, despite this apparent disinterest, they readily identify the wetlands as part of their neighborhoods and as assets, especially as natural features and habitat for urban wildlife. The study participants do not consider these neighborhood wetlands nuisance environments or a waste of land. Instead, respondents revealed an appreciation of the aesthetic attributes and habitat value of wetlands in the city and of urban natural spaces.

Patricia M. Manuel "CULTURAL PERCEPTIONS OF SMALL URBAN WETLANDS: CASES FROM THE HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA," Wetlands 23(4), 921-940, (1 December 2003). https://doi.org/10.1672/0277-5212(2003)023[0921:CPOSUW]2.0.CO;2
Received: 5 August 2002; Accepted: 1 August 2003; Published: 1 December 2003
JOURNAL ARTICLE
20 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
cultural values
urban habitat
urban wetlands
wetland values
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top