From Theory to Practice: the Implementation of Welfare Biology in Rewilding A Cognitive Framing Perspective L.J. Bernard Master’s Thesis for the Environment and Society Studies programme Nijmegen School of Management Radboud University April 2020 COLOPHON TITLE From Theory to Practices: the Implementation of Welfare Biology in Rewilding SUBTITLE A Cognitive Framing Perspective DATE April 17th 2020 WORD COUNT 26 025 AUTHOR Laura Justine Bernard STUDENT NUMBER s1005580 EDUCATION Master Environment & Society Studies SPECIALIZATION Global Environment and Sustainability EMAIL
[email protected] INSTITUTION Radboud University Nijmegen SUPERVISION Mark Wiering EMAIL
[email protected] SECOND READER Ingrid Visseren EMAIL
[email protected] Cover image: Egyptian vulture © 2019 Bogdan Boev ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to understand what effects cognitive frames have on the conception and implementation of welfare biology in rewilding projects. With this aim in mind, an explorative case study was used whereof three rewilding projects were studied and compared. The qualitative data collection consisted of fifteen interviews enriched by a document analysis. Findings show that views and practices of rewilding are directly influenced by cognitive framing through the manifestation of different visions of nature (e.g. character of bond and positionality) at different levels and different mediums. The interactions between these mediums can result in cognitive tensions and have been identified as determinants to managerial practices. It led to the conclusion that there is a causal relation between visions of nature and the action repertoire of decisionmakers and managers. Moreover, the analysis of the rewilding areas revealed a fertile ground for the development of welfare biology and the adjustment of practices towards increased accountability of wild animal suffering.