Zolyomi, Agnes

Panel Chair/Moderator

Panel 1.7. Societal transformations and biodiversity: Understanding the interplay of institutional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal change

co-Chairs: Ilkhom Soliev¹, Agnes Zolyomi^1,2,3, and Alex Franklin³

¹Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, ²Groningen University, ³Coventry University

Social dimensions of biodiversity have so far received relatively little attention in research. Prioritising biodiversity while ensuring equitability is both challenging and mutually essential. Achieving this balance often involves societal transformations at institutional (e.g., policies, governance), interpersonal (e.g., norms, interactions), and intrapersonal (e.g., values, behaviours) levels (Meadows 1999; Ostrom 2011; Williamson 2000). For effectively addressing the direct and indirect causes of biodiversity loss, transformations are necessary at multiple levels (IPBES 2019; 2022). This panel will discuss contributions with tested and emerging forms of interventions for triggering transformations transcending these levels of change (potentially) leading to reinforced prioritisation of biodiversity across the board. We call for examples from research and practice focused on understanding how change can be facilitated at the interface of the State, communities, and individuals. We are especially keen to explore interventions in terms of their 1) success at considering the perspectives of both biodiversity on the one hand and power asymmetries and justice on the other hand; and 2) specific and situated (and ideally measurable) impact but also transferability to other contexts and places. Submissions with theoretical, methodological, and empirical focus, as well as those based on a review of existing evidence, are equally welcome.

Author

Session 1. 7. A.

Monday, June 16, 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Hasbrouck Hall HAS 138

Exploring Behavioural Theories for Biodiversity Prioritisation in Policy and Practice

in-person (Soliev)

Agnes Zolyomi and Ilkhom Soliev

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany

Biodiversity loss poses an increasing threat to humanity, yet it remains under-prioritised in policy and practice. This is partly due to a limited understanding of the behavioural and decision-making mechanisms driving biodiversity loss. Research on how behavioural theories can inform biodiversity policy, advocacy, and transformative change is limited, hindering effective action. We propose that these theories could help identify barriers and opportunities for biodiversity prioritisation and transformative action.

This paper explores the application of behavioural theories in biodiversity through the PLANET4B project. We conducted a systematic literature review, focusing on key behavioural theories, including collective action and common-pool resource theories. Using transformation and biodiversity as keywords, we analysed the context in which these theories are applied.

Our findings highlight prominent theories and their use in biodiversity research, revealing significant gaps. The results indicate that a deeper understanding and enhanced deployment of behavioural and social science theories is essential for effectively influencing policy and governance at various levels, steering biodiversity prioritisation.

This paper provides an overview of behavioural theories applied in the realm of biodiversity research, highlighting also the potential how to use them more to enhance biodiversity prioritisation. Such insights could help elevate biodiversity on personal and political agendas, fostering more effective and empowered action.