Conservation strategies often prioritize certain values—typically economic or ecological—while overlooking others. This narrow focus can lead to social inequality, conflict among stakeholders, and ultimately, ineffective conservation outcomes.
Elephants serve as a strong case study due to the diverse benefits and values they represent—ecological, economic, cultural, spiritual, and moral. Yet, conservation efforts often neglect this complexity, creating controversy and resistance, especially at local levels.
The paper proposes a pluralist valuation system that broadens current frameworks by incorporating moral values and a feedback loop that reinforces the reciprocal relationship between people and nature. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the trade-offs that occur when prioritizing one value over another.
By recognizing and integrating all relevant stakeholder perspectives, this model promotes socially just, sustainable conservation outcomes. It aims to reduce conflict, build support across scales, and ensure both biodiversity protection and human well-being.
