Free organisms for bending the curve of biodiversity loss

Up until now, conservation practices have not been very successful in halting the decline of biodiversity. However, nature conservation often focuses on restoring a fixed and stable state of biodiversity. This approach conflicts with our current understanding of ecosystems as open systems, constantly changing across various spatial and temporal scales. To find an alternative foundation of nature conservation, we focused on the preconditions necessary for an unhindered development of biodiversity. We argue that freedom from human interference for ecological agents - specifically organisms – serves as that precondition. We propose that freedom for organisms be chosen as the ecological sound and ethically justified foundation of nature conservation policy. This freedom includes: 1) Free access to resources and exposure to abiotic conditions, 2) Free interaction between organisms, and 3) Free movement in space and survival over time. By quantifying the extent in which freedom for organisms is violated, a metric can be developed to assess the success of conservation policies, and a target can be set for the future. The concept of freedom for organisms may also serve as the basis for formulating the rights of organisms and, ultimately, the rights of nature. • As mentioned by the reviewers: • The paper outlines a new paradigm for conservation: “freedom for organisms”. • This includes for any organism: freedom in access to resources; to interact with other organisms; and to move in space. • We suggest that this approach will help to address the global biodiversity crisis. • Geert de Snoo & Kees Musters