Studying islands to understand the world: Sietze Norder on ecology, culture, and curiosity

Much can be said about the ways we humans transform the world around us, but the relationship between humans and the environment isn’t a one-way street. The ecology, geography and climate of the environments we live in also shape human behaviour and culture. This complex intersection is the focal point of the work of Sietze Norder, Assistant Professor at Utrecht University’s Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. We sat down to discuss his experiences as a biogeographer working on remote islands, the parallels between ecology and culture, and the inspiration behind his children’s book, Fire Island.

You’ve conducted research on Mauritius, the Azores and the Canary Islands and written a popular science book about islands titled “The World in Miniature”. What is it about islands that makes them so interesting to you?

What makes islands unique is that they have clear boundaries: we know where they begin and end, how long ago they were formed, and approximately when humans first started inhabiting them. This makes islands especially suitable as models for studying global environmental change on our finite planet.

They can help us understand our complex relationship with the environment. Human activities have the power to shape the natural environment—think of land use for agriculture for example. But geographical and environmental conditions also influence human activities and thus shape human culture, which then, in turn, shapes the environment! This multi-directional relationship between humans and the environment is often well-illustrated by islands. For example, rugged areas on islands are often rich in unique plant species. One might conclude that because the landscape is very topographically complex, it has promoted speciation. But crucially, these areas are also less accessible to humans. A lack of human interference has allowed these species to thrive. I try to see this more holistic picture by examining how human actions and environmental conditions shape each other over time.

There are many parallels (and interactions) between biodiversity and cultural diversity, and I think this can teach us a lot.

As humans we like to see ourselves as separate from nature, above it even. Do you want to challenge that idea with your work?

Human societies have become a dominant force in shaping the living world, but we also need to be modest. If you have an island that is 8 million years old, so much happened before humans made an appearance. Different species were arriving, interacting with each other and forming ecosystems for millions of years. Of course, humans also shape the island—and in many cases it's not one group of people, but different groups each leaving their mark on the island and its ecosystem in diverse ways.

There are many parallels (and interactions) between biodiversity and cultural diversity, and I think this can teach us a lot. On the island of New Guinea, for example, biodiversity levels are extremely high because the island is very large and topographically very rugged and diverse. But these same characteristics also lead to human populations being isolated and developing very distinct cultures and languages. 

You’ve also published a children’s book, "Fire Island", which was recently shortlisted for the Hotze de Roos Prize for the best children's book debut. What motivates you to write for such a broad audience?

I think it's our responsibility as scientists to make life visible. We spend maybe 80% or 90% of our lives indoors, but at the same time biodiversity is rapidly declining, undermining the functioning of ecosystems and societies. To bend the curve of biodiversity loss we need to restore the relationship between ecosystems and society. In many decisions we make, non-human species don't have a voice. That’s why I deliberately chose a spider as the main character for my children's book, not a human. I wanted to shift the perspective.

I really enjoy being outside with my children, just exploring, it's so much fun! And it’s not just about inspiring them. I think that children can really inspire adults. They ask: “What's this? What's that?” And then I say, “I have no idea, let's look it up!” That way, you can learn a lot together, and it helps me become more curious about the world as a scientist. Through my work, whether it is a scientific article or a children’s book, I hope to inspire a similar sense of curiosity and help people understand how our lives are interwoven with the rest of the living world.