Taking stock of the spectrum of arguments for biodiversity

Howard, Bruce; Braat, Leon C.; Bugter, Rob J.F.; Carmen, Esther; Hails, Rosemary S.; Watt, Allan D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9534-728X; Young, Juliette C.. 2018 Taking stock of the spectrum of arguments for biodiversity [in special issue: Effective argumentation for biodiversity conservation in Europe] Biodiversity and Conservation, 27 (7). 1561-1574. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1082-1

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1082-1

Abstract/Summary

This paper provides an analysis of the spectrum of arguments associated with the term biodiversity, as expressed in the literature. Through sampling of the grey and peer-review literature, and testing of results through semi-structured interviews, this review presents a total of 31 different instrumental and non-instrumental premises used in arguments for biodiversity. Based on the identified premise statements, this review offers a simple classification by which to understand the complex public discourse associated with arguments for biodiversity, and outlines the current frequency of use of arguments in the literature. Although a wide range of premise statements were identified, the majority of arguments were instrumental with the most frequently used ones putting forward economic perspectives as well as emphasising the role of biodiversity in underpinning ecosystem services. Results from interviews with decision-makers emphasise the need to combine arguments in order to strengthen biodiversity conservation generally, and minimise possible risks associated with individual arguments.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1082-1
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Acreman Directors, SCs Watt
ISSN:	0960-3115
Additional Keywords:	arguments, biodiversity, ecosystem services, valuation
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	28 Sep 2016 12:50 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/514644

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1082-1

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Acreman
Directors, SCs
Watt

ISSN:

0960-3115

Additional Keywords:

arguments, biodiversity, ecosystem services, valuation

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment