Advancing justice in marine biodiversity conservation

Abstract

Drawing on contemporary political theory, this paper sets out several key normative standards that can be applied to the conservation of marine biodiversity. Such standards ensure that progress in mitigating the biodiversity crisis is achieved fairly and inclusively. The paper suggests that the costs of heading off the marine biodiversity crisis must be allocated in line with contribution to the problem, and ability to pay, and that there can be no justification for leaving the most disadvantaged to bear significant conservation costs. It also clarifies what kinds of activities can count as biodiversity conservation policies, in order to keep the environmental consequences of unsustainable consumption in the global North firmly in view. Finally, it argues that decision-making about marine biodiversity should be opened up much more widely, at all stages of the policy-making process, to ensure that all of those affected by conservation policies have a fair chance to be involved in formulating policies and priorities.