The pause in our lives created by COVID-19 has created a rare opportunity for reflection on our relationships with each other, and with the natural environment. Eamon Nathan and the team at Reconnecting Northland are uniquely placed to observe the impact of this time of quiet. Reconnecting Northland is an initiative that supports a large-scale ecological restoration programme that focuses on the wellbeing of the people and the land across Te Tai Tokerau. The team works alongside the region’s conservation groups, hapū, iwi and land holders to reverse the damage caused by fragmentation and disconnection, and to improve the environment over time.
We asked Eamon to give us his thoughts on the impact of lockdowns and how these might influence our thinking about the natural environment and our social and economic models.