The Ben Collen Memorial Lecture - 29 June 2022 - Professor Zoe Davies, DICE, University of Kent

Title: 'Getting a Wellbeing ‘Boost’ from Biodiversity'

Professor Zoe Davies, Professor of Biodiversity Conservation, University of Kent 

Research Profile: https://www.kent.ac.uk/anthropology-conservation/people/475/davies-zoe

Venue: J Z Young LT (Anatomy Building)

Host: Professor Jon Bridle

Abstract: Global phenomena, such as urbanisation, agricultural intensification and biotic homogenisation, have led to extensive ecosystem degradation and species extinctions. Against this backdrop of biodiversity decline, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners are all emphasising the human wellbeing gains that can be realised when people interact with nature. Indeed, there is now compelling evidence showing that the potential personal and societal benefits are diverse, from stress-relief and reduced mental fatigue, through to improved physical health and greater social cohesion. However, we still do not know what role biodiversity plays in these accepted truths. Those tasked with planning and managing our human-dominated landscapes must deliver, and trade-off between, multiple biodiversity, individual and societal objectives. Nonetheless, we cannot optimise the outcomes for both people and conservation until we understand how biodiversity underpins wellbeing. In this talk, I will explore the complexities associated with maximising the wellbeing boost people can get from biodiversity.