Toward a Policy-Relevant Definition of Biodiversity

Abstract

Defining Biodiversity can be a challenge because the term functions in two arenas—scientific biology and conservation policy. First, it will be noted that there are arguments that apparently show that the term is not rigorously definable in a way that makes biodiversity an additive quantity; the consequences of this undefinability for policy will be discussed. Second, it will be argued that it is more important to develop a policy-relevant definition, a definition that reflects social value as well as scientific soundness in characterizing biodiversity, and which functions to allow communication about what to do. What is important is to have a definition that encourages shared actions and allows for the improvement of our linguistic tools. Perhaps it will be necessary to develop the concept of biodiversity as a scientific concept, while pairing it with a more readily understandable phrase, such as the web of life for use in public discussions