This publication, elaborated for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and presented in 2010 at COP10 in Nagoya, Japan, marks an important milestone for the creation of the Centre for Econics and Ecosystem Management.

“Applying system theory and through a transdisciplinary analysis of bio-cultural evolution, concrete up-to-date case studies and global statistical correlations this technical series goes deeply into the root-causes and drivers of environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. It shows that understanding the role and value of biodiversity and ecosystems for human well-being is more than ever a crucial pre-requisite and vital question for new and urgent needed development paradigms. In line with other initiatives like TEEB, IPBES or the Green Economy, among others, the technical series explores appropriate means and ways to translate proven knowledge and open questions into policy-relevant messages. (…)

We are pleased to introduce this volume of the Technical Series of the Convention on Biological Diversity as a very useful contribution and enrichment of the debate on new paradigms for sustainable development in harmony with nature that actually move the agenda of committed scientists, policymakers and practitioners worldwide. (…)”

Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf

Executive Secretary

Convention on Biological Diversity

This new volume of the CBD Technical Series presents an analysis of the systemic character of global change, biodiversity and human development, and the relationships between them. The report describes and evaluates the complicated relationships and dynamics between human and biological systems. Theoretical concepts, such as complex systems models, are proposed as realistic and workable models for future strategies in sustainable development. So far there has been little attempt to move this science into practice partly because it lacks the unequivocal scientific evidence demanded by an increasingly scrutinising society. The radical view presented here argues the case for looking beyond known knowledge and evidence as an essential strategy for dealing with rapidly changing conditions and increasing uncertainty. The behaviour of complex systems defies attempts by contemporary scientists to provide answers to dynamic problems. Radical thinking and approaches are needed to meet the combined challenges of an exploding human population (with rapidly growing needs and wants), and the run-away problems of global environmental change. The new technical series also proposes the use of post-normal philosophy as a complementary, and in some cases, alternative framework to existing neo-classical economics and conventional policy mechanisms, thereby abandoning the idea that exact and ‘modern’ science is the only source of usable knowledge for policy-making and practice. In many instances business as usual is failing to meet long-term objectives for human sustainable development.