Exploring the 72 normative positions that influence conservation science and how they're reshaping our approach to protecting biodiversity
When a hiker snaps a photo of a frog and uploads it to iNaturalist, they're doing more than just sharing a nature observation. They're participating in a global movement that is fundamentally reshaping conservation science 1 . But beneath this simple act lies a complex web of values, beliefs, and philosophical positions that determine what we conserve, why, and how.
The field of conservation is undergoing a quiet revolution as scientists recognize that technical solutions alone cannot address the biodiversity crisis. Understanding this diversity of normative positions isn't merely academic—it could hold the key to building broader, more effective conservation coalitions in a rapidly changing world 6 .
Normative positions are the value-laden orientations that inform how individuals or institutions perceive the relationship between humans and nature and what outcomes are deemed desirable or appropriate 6 . Think of them as philosophical DNA that shapes conservation strategies, policies, and practices at their most fundamental level.
Nature is valuable in itself, regardless of human use or benefit.
Nature's value lies in its usefulness and benefits to humans.
Nature's value emerges from relationships and meaningful connections.
A comprehensive international study published in 2025 analyzed 650 documents to map the full spectrum of normative positions in conservation. The researchers identified five key dimensions that characterize how people relate to nature 6 :
The positionality of humans with respect to nature (separate, part of, or partners with nature)
Value systems and ethical frameworks guiding conservation
The extent to which human intervention in nature is appropriate
What counts as valid knowledge (scientific, Indigenous, local)
Who should drive conservation action
The study identified 72 distinctive normative positions, each characterized by unique combinations of values across these five dimensions 6 . This diversity helps explain why conservation approaches can vary so dramatically—from fortress conservation that excludes people to community-based approaches that place human needs at the center.
To systematically map this complex landscape, researchers employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, creating the first comprehensive catalogue of normative positions in conservation literature 6 .
Conducted a systematic bibliographic search yielding an initial corpus of 6,369 records
Filtered these down to 650 key documents that described how human-nature relationships could be conceptualized, measured, or valued
Identified and grouped normative positions into 72 distinct types based on their characteristics across the five dimensions
Used fuzzy correspondence analysis to reveal patterns and relationships between different positions 6
| Normative Position | Core Philosophy | Typical Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Fortress Conservation | Humans separate from nature; protection through exclusion | Protected areas with limited human access |
| Community-Based Conservation | Humans as part of nature; mutual benefits | Community-managed resources integrating human needs |
| Ecological Modernization | Balance human development with ecological protection | Sustainable development, green technology |
| Biocentric Conservation | Intrinsic value of all living beings | Species protection regardless of human benefit |
| Traditional Stewardship | Reciprocal human-nature relationships | Indigenous knowledge-based management |
The analysis revealed that the field of conservation is "heterogeneous beyond the conventional gradient of intrinsic-instrumental-relational values" 6 . Rather than a simple linear spectrum, researchers found a rich, multidimensional space of normative positions.
Interactive chart showing distribution of normative positions across regions and approaches
| Region | Common Normative Emphasis | Distinctive Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Mix of intrinsic value and sustainable use | Strong tradition of public lands management |
| Europe | Ecological modernization, sustainable development | Integration of cultural landscapes |
| Indigenous Communities | Relational values, reciprocity | Emphasis on traditional knowledge, community agency |
| Global Policy | Instrumental values, ecosystem services | Focus on metrics, economic valuation |
The dramatic growth of iNaturalist demonstrates how normative positions shape real-world conservation. This global platform where people share wildlife photos has become a "cornerstone of scientific research," with its scientific use growing tenfold in just five years 1 .
Growth in scientific use
Over 5 yearsObservations
Global coverageUsers
Citizen scientistsThe platform's success reflects a normative position that values 1 :
Recent developments in global conservation policy also reflect shifting normative positions. At the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, members adopted a new 20-year strategic vision, "Unite for Nature on the Path to 2045," with core pillars that include 4 :
Across land, freshwater, and marine systems
Rights-based approaches for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Ecological outcomes with social justice and human wellbeing
Understanding normative positions requires specific conceptual tools and approaches. Here are key "research reagents" used in mapping conservation values:
| Research Tool | Function | Application in Normative Research |
|---|---|---|
| Fuzzy Correspondence Analysis | Statistical method for analyzing complex categorical data | Mapping relationships between normative positions across multiple value dimensions |
| Semi-structured Interviews | Qualitative data collection with flexible questioning | Eliciting deeply held values and assumptions about human-nature relationships |
| Q-methodology | Systematic study of subjectivity and viewpoints | Identifying shared patterns of belief across different stakeholders |
| Document Analysis | Systematic review and coding of texts | Tracing the evolution and expression of normative positions in literature |
| Stakeholder Mapping | Identifying key actors and their relationships | Understanding how different normative positions influence conservation conflicts |
Recognizing normative diversity offers a pathway to more effective and inclusive conservation. As the study authors note, "Consideration of values stemming from alternative normative positions may help broaden support for conservation actions" 6 . This is particularly important given that global assessments have found that national policies often prioritize anthropocentric visions and economic values, neglecting other nature-based values 6 .
The findings come at a critical moment. With global temperatures continuing to rise and biodiversity declining at unprecedented rates, there's growing recognition that addressing these crises requires more than technical fixes 2 .
It demands a fundamental rethinking of human-nature relationships—exactly what the mapping of normative positions enables.
As the IPBES global assessment highlighted, addressing the environmental crisis "requires a fundamental rethinking of human-nature relationships grounded in pluralistic normative positions" 6 . The catalog of 72 normative positions provides a crucial resource for this rethinking, offering a menu of possibilities for how we might relate to and care for our natural world.
Creating spaces for diverse voices in conservation planning
Connecting different value systems and knowledge traditions
Embedding diverse values in conservation policies and practices
Moving beyond technical fixes to address root causes
The discovery of 72 distinct normative positions in conservation represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in navigating this complexity and building conservation strategies that respect multiple values. The opportunity is to create a more inclusive, effective, and resilient conservation movement—one capable of addressing the profound ecological crises of our time.
As millions of people continue to contribute observations to platforms like iNaturalist, as Indigenous communities gain greater recognition for their stewardship role, and as conservation scientists develop more sophisticated tools for understanding human-nature relationships, we're witnessing the emergence of a new conservation paradigm 1 4 . This paradigm recognizes that saving nature isn't just about protecting species and ecosystems—it's also about nurturing the diverse values that connect us to the living world.
In the words of the researchers who mapped this normative landscape, understanding this diversity is essential for "tackling one of the planet's most pressing challenges: biodiversity loss" 1 . The path forward may not lie in finding the one right way to value nature, but in learning to honor the many ways that nature matters.