Should We Let Ecosystems Be Autonomous?

What should we really aim for in nature conservation—and who gets to decide? In this episode of Inside Biodiversity, science writer Emma Marris challenges long-held ideas about wilderness, ecosystem integrity, and invasive species. She argues that conservation is driven by human values—not objective science—and calls for a more democratic, transparent approach to setting goals for nature. If you’ve ever wondered whether “naturalness” is an illusion or why change in ecosystems isn’t always a loss, this thought-provoking conversation will make you see biodiversity in a whole new light.

Related links:

Emma Marris’s popular science books https://emmamarris.com/books/

Perspective paper “Ecosystem integrity is neither real nor valuable” (2021) https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.411

Media article “Inevitable Planetary Doom Has Been Exaggerated“ (2021) https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/02/other-side-catastrophe/617865/

Media article “Nature Doesn’t Care Where a Species Is From“ (2024) https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/02/invasive-species-large-herbivores-plants/677325/

Host: Dr. Volker Hahn, Head of Media and Communications at iDiv Postproduction: Leven Wortmann