Understanding concepts like shifting baselines allows us to notice the subtle changes in our environment and strengthens our resolve to protect the extraordinary diversity of life on our planet.
Picture the sun rising over the rolling hills of Yorkshire, England, where a group of researchers embarks on a unique mission—not to study wildlife or collect soil samples, but to interview villagers about their memories of the landscape. This seemingly simple task is part of a groundbreaking study exploring the “shifting baselines” theory, which profoundly influences how we perceive and protect the natural world.
The shifting baseline syndrome, first described by marine biologist Daniel Pauly in 1995, suggests that each generation perceives the state of the environment during their youth as “normal”. Over time, this leads to a gradual lowering of standards for environmental conditions, as people fail to recognize the extent of change that has occurred (Papworth et al., 2009).
Dr. E.J. Milner-Gulland, one of the researchers involved in the Yorkshire study, explains:
“The shifting baseline syndrome is the situation in which over time knowledge is lost about the state of the natural world, because people don’t perceive changes that are actually taking place”.
This phenomenon has far-reaching consequences for conservation efforts and our relationship with nature.
Our understanding of how we perceive the world is evolving rapidly, thanks to advances in both scientific research and artistic exploration. The intersection of art and science offers fascinating insights into how different species, including humans, see and interact with their environment.
Consider the hummingbirds featured on the cover of our 50th edition. These tiny marvels perceive colors in the ultraviolet spectrum, invisible to human eyes, enabling them to distinguish between flowers and find the richest blooms. Yet, how many truly appreciate the complexity of their vision, or the changes in their habitats over time?
Subscribe to our Patreon for premium content and access to this issue. Cristina Mittermeier provides a powerful narrative of hope, emphasizing the importance of human connection to nature. Reflect on Nature’s Pace with wisdom from Julia Cameron and Cal Newport. Explore fluid movement for outdoor pursuits with Phase6 Coach Steph Rose.
The animal kingdom is filled with remarkable visual systems, each adapted to a unique ecological niche. Take the mantis shrimp, for example, with its 16 types of color-receptor cones—far surpassing our three. These creatures process visual information at astonishing speeds and perceive colors beyond human imagination.
Shifting baselines also affect entire ecosystems. In marine environments, what we consider a “healthy” fish population today may be only a fraction of what existed a century ago. Without historical data or personal experience, these declines often go unnoticed.
To counter this perceptual blindness, scientists and conservationists are developing innovative approaches, such as combining scientific data with traditional ecological knowledge passed down through generations. Integrating these perspectives helps reconstruct more accurate baselines and informs effective conservation strategies.
Visual arts play a crucial role in challenging perceptions. Gemma Anderson’s work, Drawing as a Way of Knowing in Art and Science, demonstrates how careful observation and sketching can reveal patterns otherwise overlooked. Photography, too, documents environmental change over time, making the invisible visible.
Recent research into visual narratives—such as comics and picture stories—offers unique insights into how we process and understand information. The Scene Perception & Event Comprehension Theory (SPECT) suggests that comprehension involves both immediate and cumulative processes, helping us construct mental models of events.
Perhaps the most powerful way to overcome shifting baselines is through direct, multi-sensory engagement with nature.
Here are a few simple yet profound exercises to help anchor your perception in a broader timeline and deepen your connection to your environment:
1. Visual Narrative Exercise:
Choose a comic strip or picture story. Look at each panel briefly, then try to recall the story. Compare this with your understanding after a more detailed viewing.
2. Shifting Baselines Exercise:
Visit a natural area you’ve known for years. Reflect on how this place has changed since you first knew it—are there fewer birds, more development, different plants? If possible, interview older family members or residents about their memories of the local environment and compare their descriptions to your own observations.
3. Multi-sensory Nature Connection:
Spend time in a natural setting, focusing separately on what you see, hear, smell, and feel. Notice how each sense shapes your overall perception.
4. Ecological Validity Comparison:
Compare your reactions to a nature documentary with those from an actual walk in nature, noting differences in emotional response and engagement.
These exercises can reveal the subtle shifts in our surroundings and foster a deeper, more active relationship with the natural world.
This milestone 50th edition of BEJournal is both a celebration and a call to action. Inside, you’ll find a tapestry of stories and visuals that invite you to see the natural world—and your place within it—with fresh eyes. I’m excited to share this special issue with you and invite you to join us in exploring new perspectives and strengthening our shared commitment to conservation.
In the words of Aldo Leopold,
“To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.”
Recognizing what’s been lost—and what remains at risk—is the first step toward meaningful conservation. Let this awareness guide us as we work toward a future where nature’s wonders are not just preserved in memory, but thrive in reality.
Explore BEJournal’s 50th edition for powerful narratives from Cristina Mittermeier, Art Wolfe, Gregory A. Green, and more—each offering a unique perspective on our intricate relationship with the natural world. Immerse yourself in Vincent Lagrange’s animal portraits, IGPOTY’s macro garden art, and the breathtaking sanctuaries of Asia captured by Bjorn Olesen and Fanny Lai. Let your imagination soar with Elise Hurst’s call to rewild your thoughts and find inspiration in the wisdom of Kobi Yamada, Charles Santoso, and Brianna Wiest.
Your support as a valued member of BEJournal’s community fuels our mission to create impactful stories for conservation. In appreciation, you’ll enjoy early access to BEJournal, exclusive interviews with leading conservation photographers and filmmakers, monthly creative challenges, and opportunities to sponsor or vote on future stories.
Thank you for joining this celebration of life, diversity, and the indomitable human spirit. Together, we can continue to challenge perceptions and inspire action for our shared natural world.
Citation: S.K. Papworth, J. Rist, L. Coad, & E.J. Milner-Gulland. Evidence for shifting baseline syndrome in conservation. Conservation Letters 2 (2009) 93–100.
