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The missing pillar: Eudemonic values in the justification of nature conservation

Author

Listed:
  • Riyan J.G. van den Born
  • B. Arts
  • J. Admiraal
  • A. Beringer
  • P. Knights
  • E. Molinario
  • K. Polajnar Horvat
  • C. Porras-Gomez
  • A. Smrekar
  • N. Soethe
  • J.L. Vivero-Pol
  • W. Ganzevoort
  • M. Bonaiuto
  • L. Knippenberg
  • W.T. De Groot

Abstract

The public justification for nature conservation currently rests on two pillars: hedonic (instrumental) values, and moral values. Yet, these representations appear to do little motivational work in practice; biodiversity continues to decline, and biodiversity policies face a wide implementation gap. In seven EU countries, we studied why people act for nature beyond professional obligations. We explore the motivations of 105 committed actors for nature in detail using life-history interviews, and trace these back to their childhood. Results show that the key concept for understanding committed action for nature is meaningfulness. People act for nature because nature is meaningful to them, connected to a life that makes sense and a difference in the world. These eudemonic values (expressing the meaningful life) constitute a crucial third pillar in the justification of nature conservation. Important policy implications are explored, e.g. with respect to public discourse and the encounter with nature in childhood.

Suggested Citation

  • Riyan J.G. van den Born & B. Arts & J. Admiraal & A. Beringer & P. Knights & E. Molinario & K. Polajnar Horvat & C. Porras-Gomez & A. Smrekar & N. Soethe & J.L. Vivero-Pol & W. Ganzevoort & M. Bonaiut, 2018. "The missing pillar: Eudemonic values in the justification of nature conservation," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(5-6), pages 841-856, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:61:y:2018:i:5-6:p:841-856
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2017.1342612
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    Cited by:

    1. Mechtilde M. J. Gorissen & C. Martijn van der Heide & Johannes H.J. Schaminée, 2020. "Habitat Banking and Its Challenges in a Densely Populated Country: The Case of The Netherlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-36, May.
    2. Matthias Winfried Kleespies & Paul Wilhelm Dierkes, 2020. "Impact of biological education and gender on students’ connection to nature and relational values," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, November.
    3. Lijing Gao & J. Arbuckle, 2022. "Examining farmers’ adoption of nutrient management best management practices: a social cognitive framework," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 39(2), pages 535-553, June.
    4. See, Sin Ching & Shaikh, Shaikh Fairul Edros Ahmad & Jaung, Wanggi & Carrasco, L. Roman, 2020. "Are relational values different in practice to instrumental values?," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 44(C).
    5. Henri Järv & Anton Shkaruba & Olga Likhacheva & Viktar Kireyeu & Raymond Ward & Kalev Sepp, 2021. "A Tale of Two Protected Areas: “Value and Nature Conservation” in Comparable National Parks in Estonia and Russia," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-20, March.
    6. Thiermann, Ute B. & Sheate, William R., 2020. "Motivating individuals for social transition: The 2-pathway model and experiential strategies for pro-environmental behaviour," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).

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