Biodiversity conservation as a promising frontier for behavioural science

• Published in: Nature human behaviour Vol. 5; no. 5; pp. 550 - 556
• Main Authors: Nielsen, Kristian Steensen, Marteau, Theresa M., Bauer, Jan M., Bradbury, Richard B., Broad, Steven, Burgess, Gayle, Burgman, Mark, Byerly, Hilary, Clayton, Susan, Espelosin, Dulce, Ferraro, Paul J., Fisher, Brendan, Garnett, Emma E., Jones, Julia P. G., Otieno, Mark, Polasky, Stephen, Ricketts, Taylor H., Trevelyan, Rosie, van der Linden, Sander, Veríssimo, Diogo, Balmford, Andrew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.05.2021; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 4014/4005; 4014/477/2811; 4014/523; 704/844/1759; 704/844/685; Behavior; Behavior change; Behavioral Research; Behavioral Sciences; Biodiversity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Conservation; Conservation of Natural Resources; Degradation; Ecosystem; Ecosystems; Experimental Psychology; Humans; Leadership; Life Sciences; Microeconomics; Neurosciences; Personality and Social Psychology; Perspective; Scientists
• ISSN: 2397-3374; 2397-3374
• DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01109-5

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. Nielsen et al. argue for more involvement of behavioural scientists in addressing the challenge of globally increasing biodiversity loss, identifying important gaps in existing knowledge and outlining core components for a robust evidence base.