International study: New economic thinking needed to halt biodiversity loss

Aberystwyth University researchers call for a paradigm shift – from a technocratic economy to a way of thinking that sees nature as a living system with cultural, social and spiritual values

Outdated economic thinking is contributing to biodiversity loss, according to new international research led by researchers at Aberystwyth University. The research calls for a fundamental shift in the way we value nature.

The study, published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), offers a transformative economic approach – one that sees nature not just as a resource, but as a living system, integrated with human identity, culture, and health.

The findings are based on the evaluation report of The IPBES Platform of the United Nations, which emphasized the need for a broader and more inclusive understanding of the values ​​of nature.

Relational values ​​and the connection to nature

The article emphasizes the importance of relational values ​​– such as heritage, responsibility, and spiritual belonging – in shaping human relationships with and preserving the natural world.

Professor Jasper Kanter, lead author of the paper and senior researcher at Aberystwyth University's Business School, explains:
“We connect with nature in countless ways. It’s not just about ecosystems or resources – biodiversity shapes our communities, our mental and physical health, our sense of belonging and place, and our spirituality.

Traditional economic thinking has been too narrow and technocratic, and has therefore failed to capture all of these values, often at the expense of conflicts over land use and conservation priorities. To make better decisions, which reflect people's lived experiences, we need a paradigm shift."

A new framework: relative economics of biodiversity

The article presents a new framework – Relational biodiversity economics – which aims to integrate broader values ​​into economic decision-making processes.

This approach allows for a more socially inclusive assessment of complex dilemmas, such as balancing land use for agriculture, housing, carbon sequestration, and nature conservation.

Beyond economics – towards relationships with nature

Professor Mike Christie, research associate and fellow at Aberystwyth University, who also serves as co-chair of the IPBES values ​​assessment, adds:
“Halting biodiversity loss requires us to rethink the fundamentals of economic decision-making. But this is about more than economics – it’s about reinventing our relationship with the natural world.

"Once we recognize that humans and economies are integrated within nature, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future."

He said the work joins a growing body of evidence calling for a transformative change in the way societies understand and interact with nature – a change that could be key to halting the decline in biodiversity.

Collaborations and funding

The study was funded by UK Research and Innovation As part of the NAVIGATE project, with the support of Strategic Research Council of Finland and-Ministry of Science and Innovation of SpainIt was conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Aberystwyth and East Anglia, Natural England, the University of Helsinki (Finland) and the Basque Climate Centre (BC3).

for the scientific article

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