The contemporary view of biodiversity: bad science and bad policy

Andrew Beattie*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Biodiversity conservation science and policy largely ignores the majority of species: the microbes and invertebrates.This biodiversity contains most genetic, metabolic and chemical diversity on Earth and underpins a wide variety of ecosystem services, an unexpected diversity of major industries and, ironically, conventional conservation. Its exclusion, often explained by inadequate scientific technologies, is no longer tenable. On the other hand, its inclusion in biodiversity science and policy will: I) enhance understanding of the processes and mechanics of ecosystem services, 2) place biodiversity at the core of all economies, 3) realise a vast array of new biological resources, 4) extend responsibility for conservation into industrial sectors that depend on biodiversity, 5) generate a new interest in the workings of the planet through the Attenborough Effect'.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationGrumpy scientists
    Subtitle of host publicationthe ecological conscience of a nation
    EditorsDaniel Lunney, Pat Hutchings, Harry F. Recher
    Place of PublicationMosman, NSW
    PublisherRoyal Zoological Society of New South Wales
    Pages17-23
    Number of pages7
    ISBN (Print)9780987430908
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013
    EventAnnual Forum on Grumpy Scientists: the Ecological Conscience of a Nation - Sydney, Australia
    Duration: 3 Nov 2012 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceAnnual Forum on Grumpy Scientists: the Ecological Conscience of a Nation
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CitySydney
    Period3/11/12 → …

    Keywords

    • biodiversity
    • economics
    • bioresources
    • microbes
    • invertebrates
    • agriculture
    • biodiversity policy
    • Attenborough Effect
    • CROP YIELD
    • DIVERSITY
    • MICROBIOME
    • NITROGEN
    • SERVICES
    • BACTERIA
    • INSECTS
    • FUNGI
    • SOIL
    • AGRICULTURE

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