Plural valuation is about eliciting the diverse values of nature articulated by different stakeholders in order to inform decision making towards achieving more equitable and sustainable outcomes. We explore what approaches align with plural valuation on the ground, as well as how different social-ecological contexts play a role in translating plural valuation into decisions and outcomes. Based on a co-constructed analytical approach relying upon empirical information from ten cases from the Global South, we find that plural valuation contributes to equitable and sustainable outcomes if the valuation process: 1) is based on participatory elicitation approaches; 2) is framed with a clear action-oriented purpose; 3) provides space for marginalized stakeholders to articulate their values in ways that can be included in decisions; 4) is used as a tool to identify and help reconcile different cognitive models about human-nature relations held by different stakeholders; and 5) fosters open communication and collaboration between stakeholders. We also find that power asymmetries can hinder plural valuation. As interest and support for undertaking plural valuation grows, a deeper understanding is needed regarding how plural valuation may adapt to different purposes, approaches, and socialecological contexts to contributing to social equity and sustainability.
Highlights• Plural valuation (PV) reveals diverse values of nature held by different stakeholders • PV's purpose, approach and context shape the achievement of equitable and sustainable outcomes • Participation, action-oriented purposes, inclusion of marginalized stakeholders and reconciliation of different cognitive models are crucial PV components • Power asymmetries can severely constrain PV's potential, which is strengthened by collaboration.
Cite this article: Jacobs S et al. (2020). Use your power for good: plural valuation of naturethe Oaxaca statement. Global Sustainability 3, e8, 1-7. https://doi.
Non-technical abstractDecisions on the use of nature reflect the values and rights of individuals, communities and society at large. The values of nature are expressed through cultural norms, rules and legislation, and they can be elicited using a wide range of tools, including those of economics. None of the approaches to elicit peoples' values are neutral. Unequal power relations influence valuation and decision-making and are at the core of most environmental conflicts. As actors in sustainability thinking, environmental scientists and practitioners are becoming more aware of their own posture, normative stance, responsibility and relative power in society. Based on a transdisciplinary workshop, our perspective paper provides a normative basis for this new community of scientists and practitioners engaged in the plural valuation of nature.
Technical abstractDuring a workshop held in Oaxaca, Mexico, a shared vision, mission and strategies to foster a more plural valuation of nature were developed. The participants represent a wide range of backgrounds and are active in science, policy and practitioner networks and activities.https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.
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