Free organisms for bending the curve of biodiversity loss
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Up until now, conservation practices have not been very successful in halting the decline of biodiversity. However, nature conservation often focuses on restoring a fixed and stable state of biodiversity. This approach conflicts with our current understanding of ecosystems as open systems, constantly changing across various spatial and temporal scales. To find an alternative foundation of nature conservation, we focused on the preconditions necessary for an unhindered development of biodiversity. We argue that freedom from human interference for ecological agents - specifically organisms – serves as that precondition. We propose that freedom for organisms be chosen as the ecological sound and ethically justified foundation of nature conservation policy. This freedom includes: 1) Free access to resources and exposure to abiotic conditions, 2) Free interaction between organisms, and 3) Free movement in space and survival over time. By quantifying the extent in which freedom for organisms is violated, a metric can be developed to assess the success of conservation policies, and a target can be set for the future. The concept of freedom for organisms may also serve as the basis for formulating the rights of organisms and, ultimately, the rights of nature.
Source: Biological Conservation
Authors: Geert R. de Snoo, C.J.M. Musters
Language: English
Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,830
OpenAlex ID: W4409200398