159
© The Author(s) 2019
M. R. Marselle et al. (eds.), Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate
Change, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_8
Chapter 8
Biodiversity in the Context
of ‘Biodiversity – Mental Health’ Research
Sjerp de Vries and Robbert Snep
Abstract In this chapter the concept of biodiversity and its measurement and use
in ‘biodiversity – mental health’ research is discussed, as well as access to and contact with biodiverse nature. It is pointed out that biodiversity is an ecological concept that originated in the context of nature conservation. It has evolved without
consideration of its potential role in mental health promotion. In studying the latter,
the concept of biodiversity is frequently adapted. Such adaptations are likely to
occur at the expense of its relevance for nature conservation. Using the concept of
biodiversity as originally intended may be fruitful for a different type of research
question, focusing more on multi-functionality issues: can the same nature constitute a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem and enhance mental health simultaneously? By
pointing out this and related issues, this chapter aims to support researchers and
students in future research, and help both scientists and policy-makers to position
and assess studies in this field.
Keywords Health promotion · Nature conservation · Functional biodiversity ·
Ecosystem health · Measurement · Multi-functionality
Highlights
• The concept ‘biodiversity’ is frequently adapted in studies on its health effects.
• Such adaptations tend to make these studies less relevant for nature
conservation.
• Health promotion and nature conservation may have different requirements.
S. de Vries (*) · R. Snep
Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research,
Wageningen, The Netherlands
e-mail: sjerp.devries@wur.nl; robbert.snep@wur.nl
To measure is to know, but know what you measure.
(anonymous)
© The Author(s) 2019
M. R. Marselle et al. (eds.), Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate
Change, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_8
Chapter 8
Biodiversity in the Context
of ‘Biodiversity – Mental Health’ Research
Sjerp de Vries and Robbert Snep
Abstract In this chapter the concept of biodiversity and its measurement and use
in ‘biodiversity – mental health’ research is discussed, as well as access to and contact with biodiverse nature. It is pointed out that biodiversity is an ecological concept that originated in the context of nature conservation. It has evolved without
consideration of its potential role in mental health promotion. In studying the latter,
the concept of biodiversity is frequently adapted. Such adaptations are likely to
occur at the expense of its relevance for nature conservation. Using the concept of
biodiversity as originally intended may be fruitful for a different type of research
question, focusing more on multi-functionality issues: can the same nature constitute a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem and enhance mental health simultaneously? By
pointing out this and related issues, this chapter aims to support researchers and
students in future research, and help both scientists and policy-makers to position
and assess studies in this field.
Keywords Health promotion · Nature conservation · Functional biodiversity ·
Ecosystem health · Measurement · Multi-functionality
Highlights
• The concept ‘biodiversity’ is frequently adapted in studies on its health effects.
• Such adaptations tend to make these studies less relevant for nature
conservation.
• Health promotion and nature conservation may have different requirements.
S. de Vries (*) · R. Snep
Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research,
Wageningen, The Netherlands
e-mail: sjerp.devries@wur.nl; robbert.snep@wur.nl
To measure is to know, but know what you measure.
(anonymous)