Diverse values of nature for sustainability

The interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, pandemic emergence, and socio-environmental injustices underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we value and interact with nature. For over two decades, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of ecosystem services for human well-being. However, despite global agreements like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, mainstream environmental and development policies continue to prioritize a limited subset of nature's values, primarily those readily monetized. This narrow focus overlooks the rich tapestry of cultural, spiritual, and relational values that people associate with nature, contributing to ongoing environmental degradation and social inequities. This paper investigates the multifaceted ways in which people value nature, identifies the obstacles hindering the incorporation of diverse values into decision-making processes, and proposes strategic interventions to catalyze a transformative shift towards more just and sustainable futures. The research draws upon a vast body of evidence encompassing scientific publications, policy documents, and Indigenous and local knowledge sources, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation of a holistic approach to valuing nature.

The paper extensively reviews existing literature on the valuation of nature, drawing on more than 50,000 scientific publications, policy documents, and Indigenous and local knowledge sources. This review highlights the limitations of current valuation approaches, which often prioritize instrumental values (nature as a means to a human end) over intrinsic (nature's inherent worth) and relational values (meaningful relationships between people and nature). Existing literature also showcases the diverse ways in which different cultures and communities understand and relate to nature, emphasizing the need for a pluralistic approach to valuation that respects and incorporates diverse worldviews and knowledge systems. The literature review informs the development of a novel typology of values and the identification of key barriers to the uptake of valuation in policymaking.

The paper employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of a large dataset of peer-reviewed valuation studies with qualitative analysis of case studies and policy documents. Quantitative analysis involves a stratified random sample of 1,163 studies published between 2010 and 2020, providing insights into the global distribution and characteristics of nature valuation studies. Data analysis examines the distribution of studies across geographical regions, the types of values assessed, the valuation methods employed, and the intended goals of valuation (improving the state of nature, enhancing quality of life, or promoting social justice). Qualitative analysis focuses on in-depth examination of case studies from around the world illustrating how different values are considered (or not) in real-world decision-making contexts. This includes analyzing the restoration of India's Chilika Lagoon, demonstrating how a plural-values perspective can lead to more successful and equitable outcomes. The paper also reviews impact evaluation studies on protected areas and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs to assess the effectiveness of integrating diverse values into environmental management. The methodology incorporates diverse perspectives, including Indigenous and local knowledge, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

The study reveals a significant imbalance in how nature's values are considered in decision-making, with a strong bias towards instrumental values and a relative neglect of intrinsic and relational values. Most valuation studies focus on instrumental values and employ nature-based valuation methods. The uptake of valuation information into policy decisions remains limited, with less than 5% of published studies documenting such uptake. Geographical distribution of valuation studies shows a bias towards Europe, the Americas, and Asia and the Pacific, with underrepresentation in Africa and Central Asia, particularly in marine environments. The analysis highlights challenges in integrating incommensurable values (values that cannot be easily compared or traded off against each other) and the need for developing procedures to recognize and prioritize these values. Power asymmetries among stakeholders significantly influence which values are prioritized in decisions, often marginalizing the voices and concerns of local communities and Indigenous peoples. The study identifies four values-centred leverage points for transformative change: (1) improved valuation, (2) embedding valuation information into decision-making, (3) reconfiguring societal structures, and (4) modifying social norms and goals. Case studies illustrate how integrating local values can lead to more just and sustainable outcomes in environmental management, while neglecting these values can create conflicts and undermine the effectiveness of conservation programs. Scenarios for achieving sustainable futures are shown to be more effective when instrumental, relational, and intrinsic values are taken into account. Analysis of the Chilika Lagoon case study, shows that successful restoration shifted from a narrow focus on extractive activities to a plural-values perspective balancing instrumental, intrinsic and relational values.

The findings highlight the critical need for a fundamental shift in how we value and manage nature, moving away from a narrow focus on market-based instrumental values towards a more holistic approach that embraces the diverse values held by different stakeholders. The limited uptake of valuation information in decision-making underscores the need for greater integration of valuation methods into policy processes, coupled with institutional reforms to address power asymmetries and ensure fair representation of diverse values. The proposed values-centered leverage points provide a framework for implementing transformative change across multiple levels, from enhancing individual awareness and behaviour change to reforming societal structures and norms. The paper's emphasis on integrating Indigenous and local knowledge is crucial for acknowledging the inherent rights and traditional ecological knowledge of communities deeply connected to nature. The analysis of successful restoration efforts, such as the Chilika Lagoon, demonstrates that embracing diverse values can lead to more effective and equitable environmental management. The study suggests that incorporating these values in policy, legal frameworks, and economic models is essential for achieving just and sustainable futures.

Achieving ambitious biodiversity and development goals requires confronting the status quo and its vested interests, recognizing and integrating nature's diverse values into decision-making. The paper proposes three key steps: using an inclusive typology of values, accessing available valuation methods, and engaging values-centered leverage points for transformative change. Ignoring the diversity of nature's values would continue to undermine efforts towards a sustainable and equitable future for all life on Earth. Further research should focus on developing more robust methods for integrating incommensurable values, improving the uptake of valuation information in policy decisions, and addressing power dynamics that hinder the fair representation of diverse values.

The study relies on a sample of peer-reviewed valuation studies, which might not fully capture the diversity of valuation practices in all contexts. The qualitative analysis of case studies is inherently subjective and limited by the availability of suitable case studies. The proposed values-centered leverage points represent a starting point for transformative change and require further refinement and context-specific adaptation for effective implementation. While the paper highlights the importance of Indigenous and local knowledge, further research is needed to fully understand and integrate these diverse perspectives into valuation frameworks and policy decisions.