Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
11:53
Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm
Published on: December 9, 2012
13.6K
Value pluralism supports portfolio approaches in conservation
Evelyn Brister1, Yasha Rohwer2, Michele Weber3
1Philosophy, Rochester Institute of Technology, 92 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA. elbgsl@rit.edu.
Ambio
|March 8, 2026
Summary
Portfolio approaches in conservation are ethically justified due to value pluralism. This approach maximizes the potential to satisfy diverse ecosystem values, offering a robust ethical framework for conservation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Science
- Environmental Ethics
- Ecosystem Management
Background:
- Portfolio approaches are increasingly adopted in conservation, drawing parallels with financial portfolio management.
- The ethical underpinnings of these conservation strategies require thorough examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present ethical arguments supporting portfolio approaches in conservation.
- To explore the relationship between value pluralism and conservation portfolio design.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argumentation based on value pluralism.
- Analysis of implications for conservation portfolio construction.
Main Results:
- Value pluralism, recognizing diverse ecosystem values, is ethically appropriate.
- Portfolio approaches enhance the capacity to satisfy multiple, diverse values in conservation.
Conclusions:
- Ethical justification for conservation portfolios stems from their ability to accommodate value pluralism.
- Conservation portfolio planning should prioritize inclusivity, diverse assets, tiered solutions, and knowledge sharing.
Related Concept Videos
02:04Conservation of Small Populations
17.6K
Small population sizes put a species at extreme risk of extinction due to a lack of variation, and a consequent decrease in adaptability. This weakens the chances of survival under pressures such as climate change, competition from other species, or new diseases. Large populations are more likely to survive pressures such as these, as such populations are more likely to harbor individuals that have genetic variants that are adaptive under new stresses. Small populations are much less...
17.6K
01:24Biodiversity and Human Values
17.5K
Human civilization relies on biodiversity in many ways. Sudden changes in species biodiversity result in environmental changes that can modify weather patterns and therefore human civilizations.
17.5K
02:07Conservation of Declining Populations
13.5K
Conservation of declining population focuses on ways of detecting, diagnosing, and halting a population decline. The approach uses methods to prevent populations from going extinct.
13.5K
01:57What is Conservation Biology?
24.7K
Conservation biology is a scientific field that focuses on the preservation of biodiversity in order to protect ecosystems while meeting the needs of the human population. Humans require properly functioning ecosystems to maintain our supply of natural resources, including food, medicines, and building materials.
24.7K
01:19What is Biodiversity?
34.5K
Biodiversity describes the variety of living things at multiple organizational levels: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Species diversity includes all branches of the evolutionary tree from single-celled prokaryotic organisms, bacteria, and archaea, to the eukaryotic kingdoms: plants; animals; fungi; and protists. To date, there have been about 1.75 million species identified, and new species are discovered every week.
34.5K
01:26Equity Theory
346
Equity theory explains how our sense of fairness influences the dynamics of close relationships. Rooted in social psychology, the theory posits that individuals evaluate fairness by comparing the ratio of their contributions to the rewards they receive. Relationship satisfaction is highest when these ratios are perceived as balanced between partners, promoting mutual reciprocity and a sense of justice.Equity vs. Equality in RelationshipsEquity is distinct from equality. Fairness does not...
346