Nature for Future
The Nature Futures Framework (NFF) envisions pathway for biodiversity conservation that integrate nature's intrinsic, instrumental and relational values to support both human well-being and ecological resilience (Pereira et al. 2020). Closely aligned with the Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) framework (Pascual et al. 2017, Diaz et al. 2020), the NFF goes further, by clearly integrating that nature has intrinsic value (self-sustaining capacity) beyond serving human needs. The NFF advocates for conservation policies that value ecosystems not just as resources for people, but as complex, interconnected and (hopefully still) self-sustainable systems. This approach enriches biodiversity conservation approaches by promoting coexistence strategies that respect ecological integrity alongside human well-being.
The NFF redefines ecosystem services by recognizing the multiple ways in which nature benefits people - including cultural, identity-based, and relational values. Together, the NFF and NCP frameworks envision biodiversity protection as a foundational element for resilience and a sustainable future for humanity.
L. M. Pereira, K. K. Davies, E. den Belder, S. Ferrier [...] and C. J. Lundquist, Developing multiscale and integrative nature people scenarios using the Nature Futures Framework. People and Nature 2, 1172-1195 (2020). S. Diaz, U. Pascual, M. Stenseke, B. Martin-Lopez, R. T. Watson [...] and Y. Shirayama, Assessing nature s contributions to people. Science 359, 270-272 (2018). U. Pascual, P. Balvanera, S. DÃaz, G. Pataki [...] and N. Yagi, Valuing nature s contributions to people: the IPBES approach. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 26-27, 7-16 (2017).
My previous research naturally led me to this framework, which offers incredible challenges and opportunities. Challenges to measure such interlinked human-nature relationships, to provide new concepts and methods, and to work with other fields of research; opportunities because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference: if we (ecologists) do not fully commit ourselves to this research field, who will?
It is difficult to select past work along this framework because the NFF is so vast and most of my past research simply fits into the Nature for Nature corner of the NFF. Rather, I will list here some work that fits into the NFF triangle without being too close to any single corner.
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Which future for tropical reefs? The four parts defined by the gradient of nature protection and exploitation illustrate different possible futures, exposed by the NFF. Optimizing nature for humans propose a biocultural and social future where societies exploit whatever is necessary for human well-being as long as it is sustainable. Arcology calls for a future where people are concentrated in dense, futuristic, self-sufficient cities, surrounded by totally pristine nature. Between both, Sharing through sparing depicts a future where people exploit as little of nature as possible for their well-being and safeguard the remainder. Flandrin U., Mouillot D., [...] & Mouquet N. (2024) Fish communities can simultaneously contribute to nature and people across the worlds tropical reefs One Earth 7, 1772–1785.
