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Biodiversity conservation as a promising frontier for behavioural science

Author

Listed:
  • Kristian Steensen Nielsen

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Theresa M. Marteau

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Jan M. Bauer

    (Copenhagen Business School)

  • Richard B. Bradbury

    (University of Cambridge
    RSPB)

  • Steven Broad

    (TRAFFIC)

  • Gayle Burgess

    (TRAFFIC)

  • Mark Burgman

    (Imperial College London)

  • Hilary Byerly

    (University of Colorado)

  • Susan Clayton

    (The College of Wooster)

  • Dulce Espelosin

    (Center for Behavior and the Environment, Rare)

  • Paul J. Ferraro

    (Johns Hopkins University)

  • Brendan Fisher

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Emma E. Garnett

    (University of Cambridge
    University of Cambridge)

  • Julia P. G. Jones

    (Bangor University)

  • Mark Otieno

    (University of Würzburg
    University of Embu)

  • Stephen Polasky

    (University of Minnesota
    University of Minnesota)

  • Taylor H. Ricketts

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Rosie Trevelyan

    (Tropical Biology Association)

  • Sander van der Linden

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Diogo Veríssimo

    (University of Oxford)

  • Andrew Balmford

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Human activities are degrading ecosystems worldwide, posing existential threats for biodiversity and humankind. Slowing and reversing this degradation will require profound and widespread changes to human behaviour. Behavioural scientists are therefore well placed to contribute intellectual leadership in this area. This Perspective aims to stimulate a marked increase in the amount and breadth of behavioural research addressing this challenge. First, we describe the importance of the biodiversity crisis for human and non-human prosperity and the central role of human behaviour in reversing this decline. Next, we discuss key gaps in our understanding of how to achieve behaviour change for biodiversity conservation and suggest how to identify key behaviour changes and actors capable of improving biodiversity outcomes. Finally, we outline the core components for building a robust evidence base and suggest priority research questions for behavioural scientists to explore in opening a new frontier of behavioural science for the benefit of nature and human wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristian Steensen Nielsen & Theresa M. Marteau & Jan M. Bauer & Richard B. Bradbury & Steven Broad & Gayle Burgess & Mark Burgman & Hilary Byerly & Susan Clayton & Dulce Espelosin & Paul J. Ferraro & , 2021. "Biodiversity conservation as a promising frontier for behavioural science," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 5(5), pages 550-556, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:5:y:2021:i:5:d:10.1038_s41562-021-01109-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01109-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Tilman & Michael Clark & David R. Williams & Kaitlin Kimmel & Stephen Polasky & Craig Packer, 2017. "Future threats to biodiversity and pathways to their prevention," Nature, Nature, vol. 546(7656), pages 73-81, June.
    2. Sean L. Maxwell & Richard A. Fuller & Thomas M. Brooks & James E. M. Watson, 2016. "Biodiversity: The ravages of guns, nets and bulldozers," Nature, Nature, vol. 536(7615), pages 143-145, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Stoeckli, Sabrina & Merian, Sybilla & Wanner, Silvan & Stucki, Matthias & Chaudhary, Abhishek, 2024. "Advancing Biodiversity Footprinting for Food-Related Behavior Change," OSF Preprints zpvq4, Center for Open Science.
    2. Prinzing, Michael & Laffan, Kate, 2024. "Leveraging the link between pro-environmental behaviour and well-being to encourage sustainable lifestyle shifts," OSF Preprints tyxdn_v1, Center for Open Science.
    3. Veríssimo, Diogo & Blake, Katie & Flint, Hilary Byerly & Doughty, Hunter & Espelosin, Dulce & Gregg, Emily A. & Kubo, Takahiro & Mann-Lang, Judy & Perry, Laura R. & Selinske, Matthew J. & Shreedhar, G, 2024. "Changing human behavior to conserve biodiversity," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 126106, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    4. Stoeckli, Sabrina & Merian, Sybilla & Wanner, Silvan & Stucki, Matthias & Chaudhary, Abhishek, 2024. "Advancing Biodiversity Footprinting for Food-Related Behavior Change," OSF Preprints zpvq4_v1, Center for Open Science.
    5. Haenssgen, Marco J. & Leepreecha, Prasit & Sakboon, Mukdawan & Chu, Ta-Wei & Vlaev, Ivo & Auclair, Elizabeth, 2023. "The impact of conservation and land use transitions on the livelihoods of indigenous peoples: A narrative review of the northern Thai highlands," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).

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