Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES): 4. Nature and Humanity Connected

4. Nature and Humanity Connected

Assessment Report on the Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature

In 2022, IPBES published the Assessment Report on the Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature. This report concluded that most decisions regarding nature are strongly influenced by a materialistic perspective, which overlooks the emotional aspects and lived experiences of people in relation to nature. The assessment introduced a new typology of four general perspectives:

(1) Living from Nature
(2) Living with Nature
(3) Living in Nature
(4) Living as Nature

"Living from nature" emphasizes nature's capacity to provide resources that sustain livelihoods and meet the needs and wants of people, such as food and material goods. "Living with nature" focuses on life 'other than human,' such as the intrinsic right of fish in a river to thrive independently of human needs. "Living in nature" refers to the importance of nature as the setting for people's sense of place and identity. "Living as nature" views the natural world as a physical, mental and spiritual part of oneself. In fact, a significant proportion of people around the world share this sense of connection.

Dr. Anne Larigauderie expressed her concern about the world's current overemphasis on "Living from Nature."

"I was once impressed by the sight of a thick rope wrapped around a large tree during a visit to Japan," Larigauderie said. "It was a national natural monument and served as a symbolic example of people finding non-market values in nature. This resonated with me as the essence of 'Living as Nature' which acknowledges the intangible values of nature. I believe we should cherish these kinds of values more."

Celebrities and influencers around the world reacted to the report, using social media and other platforms to advocate for the importance of biodiversity.

Future Activities

IPBES is currently preparing for the release of a number of new reports. A decade after its establishment, IPBES has built a solid position as a platform connecting science and policy, continuously providing policymakers with the extensive evidence and options necessary for decision-making.

Interest from companies seeking guidance on biodiversity is also growing, and IPBES is preparing a report exploring how business can better protect, restore, and benefit from biodiversity. An assessment report on the interlinkages between business and biodiversity is scheduled for publication in 2025.

IPBES has also begun work on updating the 2019 Global Assessment Report. This Second Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is expected to be released in 2028-2029 and will include an evaluation of governments' progress towards achieving the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The second assessment report is also expected to provide valuable information for setting the post-2030 targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Message from Dr. Larigauderie

"If people understand that they hold the fate of biodiversity in their own hands, they can take various actions to support biodiversity through the choices they make daily. They can act as consumers by choosing to adopt a healthier and more sustainable diet. They can act through the education they provide to their children, fostering a stronger connection to nature. They can act as voters and citizens through the choices they make when electing their representatives. They should essentially view everything they do through the lens of their connection with nature. And if they do so, I believe there is a bright future for all of us. Eventually, we will have the nature we deserve, and the state of nature will be proportional to the efforts that we are all willing to invest in it."

Dr. Anne Larigauderie, IPBES Executive Secretary

Editorial supervisor: Shizuka Hashimoto, Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo; (Affiliation is at that time of release.)

Special Interview

Special Interview