Nature's true value overlooked in decision making - IPBES [1]
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Understanding the true value of nature is key to addressing the global biodiversity crisis, according to a new assessment by leading scientists.
Halting the loss of nature requires a shift away from prioritising short-term material gains, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) says in a landmark report.
The study offers insights into the many different values of nature and how to incorporate these into decision-making.
A summary was approved on Saturday by 139 countries in Bonn, Germany.
"Shifting decision-making towards the multiple values of nature is a really important part of the system-wide transformative change needed to address the current global biodiversity crisis," said co-chair, Prof Patricia Balvanera.
"This entails redefining 'development' and 'good quality of life' and recognising the multiple ways people relate to each other and to the natural world."