This paper is the result of discussion among a wide range of people, active within the socio-economic fields of biodiversity research and policy. The BRAG socio economic sub-group to which they have contributed, was charged with undertaking an analysis of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and related policy commitments, to identify and prioritise socio-economic research needs.

 

The socio-economic dimension of biodiversity research addresses the interaction between human behaviour and biodiversity change. It requires the skills of a range of social sciences – psychology, sociology, political science and anthropology as well as economics. It includes an understanding of the ways in which biodiversity supports the production of goods and services. It also includes an understanding of the different ways in which people value biodiversity, and the limitations of current markets and institutions in signalling biodiversity values. These extend along a spectrum from the value of biological resources in direct consumption, through the value of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functioning and processes, to the cultural, spiritual and aesthetic values people place on different species, communities or habitats. Getting to grips’ with these values is surely fundamental to implementing the UK BAP (and to broadening/integrating at larger spatial scales, local, UK, Europe, global).