Halting biodiversity loss: how social-ecological biodiversity research makes a difference
January 1, 2017 - Mehring, Marion; Bernard, Barbara; Hummel, Diana; Liehr, Stefan; Lux, Alexandra
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EmailJournal or Book Title: International Journal of Biodiversity Science Ecosystem Services & Management
DOI:10.1080/21513732.2017.1289246
Abstract: In 2010, there was a bold commitment to take action in halting global biodiversity loss by 2020. Now, half way through the Convention on Biological Diversity strategic plan 2011-2020, the success of the mission is under discussion. With the Twelfth Conference of the Parties attesting a lack of action, attention is now focused on the science-policy interface. This article offers a critical examination of the current debate on the science-policy interface and its implications for biodiversity research. The aim is to demonstrate the need for a social-ecological perspective. First, we argue that there is not only a lack of action but also a lack of knowledge. Second, we present social-ecological systems as a common framework for biodiversity research. Third, we explain the potential of transdisciplinarity in biodiversity research. We finish by calling for a decisive turning point to consider the hybrid notions of biodiversity in science, politics and conservation activities.
Type of Publication: Article