Diverse values of nature for sustainability

Background

Despite 25 years of progress in valuing ecosystem services, a global biodiversity crisis persists, underpinned by a "values crisis." Current policies and decisions often prioritize a narrow subset of market-based instrumental values, ignoring the diverse ways people relate to and benefit from nature. This paper, based on the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Values Assessment, synthesizes over 50,000 sources to address this gap.

Goals and Methods

The author aims to clarify how nature's diverse values are expressed and to propose pathways for better integrating them into decision-making. This article introduces a comprehensive typology of values with four interconnected layers: worldviews, broad values, specific values (instrumental, intrinsic, relational), and value indicators. It also classifies valuation methods into four families: nature-based, statement-based, behavior-based, and integrated valuation. The analysis assesses the global distribution and application of these valuation studies.

Conclusions and Takeaways

This research finds that most valuation studies focus on instrumental values and rarely document values incorporated into policy. Key barriers include power asymmetries and a lack of representation for marginalized values. To foster transformative change, the authors propose four value-centred leverage points (i.e., recognizing diverse values, embedding valuation in decisions, reforming institutions, and shifting societal goals). This inclusive approach is essential for achieving more just and sustainable futures, as envisioned by global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.