Toward a relational biodiversity economics: Embedding plural values for sustainability transformation

Kenter, Jasper O., Carmenta, Rachel, Christie, Michael, Griffiths, Hywel, Ihemezie, Eberechukwu, Martin, Adrian, Gomez Osorio, Maria Teresa, Pascual, Unai, Raymond, Christopher M., Remoundou, Kyriaki and Waters, Ruth (2025) Toward a relational biodiversity economics: Embedding plural values for sustainability transformation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), 122 (40). ISSN 0027-8424

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Abstract

The prioritization of market over nonmarket values of nature is a key driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Recognizing nature’s diverse values in decisions is a fundamental lever for sustainability transformation. While economic valuation of nature has a long history, it has struggled to recognize the full suite of nature’s values, particularly the broad, relational, intrinsic, and shared values reflecting the complexity of human–nature relationships. We explore opportunities to expand the consideration of values within the economics of biodiversity by reviewing conventional and heterodox economic approaches. We argue that integrating pluralistic values requires a relational biodiversity economics that transcends people–nature dualism and seeks the flourishing of life. We synthesize foundations for such a paradigm in relation to worldviews, values, value indicators, and life frames. Our perspective transcends the dominant economic framing of nature as a passive, largely substitutable asset, to also consider nature as place, self, and harboring agency. This helps to overcome the limitations of conventional economic assumptions, better reflects peoples’ lived experiences, and supports transformations toward more just and sustainable futures.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Global Development (formerly School of International Development) University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA
UEA Research Groups:	University of East Anglia Schools > Faculty of Science > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Global Environmental Justice
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	29 Sep 2025 15:30
Last Modified:	29 Sep 2025 15:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100541
DOI:	10.1073/pnas.2314586122

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