My PhD research centers on an interdisciplinary study of how the values people assign to nature influence their relationship with the natural world. The project bridges the fields of human geography and environmental ethics, with the goal of advancing our understanding of human-nature relationships through the concept of relational values.

My project focuses on collaborating with birdwatchers, who offer a unique perspective on interacting with and relating to nature. Using a combination of empirical research and philosophical analysis, I explore two key aspects: first, how relational values of nature are developed and influence birdwatching; and second, birdwatching itself as a meaningful practice.

More information about the overall project, as well as its associations with other research groups and collaborations, can be found here:

https://www.mls.uzh.ch/en/research/deplazes-zemp.html

https://nomisfoundation.ch/projects/beyond-intrinsic-and-instrumental/