Knowledge gathering and communication on biodiversity: Developing the Norwegian Nature Index

Abstract

The authors reflect on knowledge-generating and communication processes involved in the recently developed Norwegian Nature Index, particularly the communication process among experts involved in providing the required biodiversity knowledge. Eliciting a comprehensive overview of biodiversity is a complex process involving choices of approaches and methods in order to reach a common understanding of uncertainties and values as a basis for quantification. Part of the complexity is the establishment of dialogue between experts from research institutions with different research traditions and approaches. The authors discuss how the index was developed through communication processes, challenging involved experts to provide not only biodiversity data for the current situation, but also forecasts of future trends, assessments of uncertainty, and evaluations of the urgency of biodiversity loss and possibility of implementing policy and management measures. The Nature Index framework has potential for informing the biodiversity policy debate by involving stakeholders beyond the science-policy community and enhancing deliberations about biodiversity policy in a wider context of sustainable development. As a policy tool, the Nature Index may develop through a process of practical application, which in turn may have an impact on the selection of narratives, definition of management targets, and technical concepts such as reference states.

Keywords:

• biodiversity
• expert evaluation
• indicator
• Nature Index
• precaution
• sustainability

Acknowledgements

Financial support from the Research Council of Norway's Project 190054 ‘Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) in the Context of the Precautionary Principle’ is gratefully acknowledged. We thank Silvio Funtowicz for valuable advice, and Annegrete Bruvoll, Kjellrun Hiis Hauge, Anne I. Myhr, Jerome R. Ravetz, Fern Wickson, and two anonymous reviewers for valuable comments. In addition, we thank Mona Irene Hansen and Marit Vågdal for excellent editing, word processing, and technical assistance.

Notes

1. P. Cosier, ‘Accounting for the condition of environmental assets’. Unpublished paper presented to UN Committee of Experts on Environmental Accounting Technical Meeting on Ecosystem Accounts, London, 5–7 December 2011.