Social construction of the problem of biodiversity

Abstract

The erosion of biodiversity is found alongside with the global environmental problems. As such, the stages of Its definition and of the elaboration of the measures to address It are organized along the same lines as for climate change. It was first brought to the fore by scientists who saw in the Increasing rhythm of species extinction an alarming evolution. The widespread adoption of the term biological diversity to account for the objectives of life sciences testified the development of a more complex, evolutionary and Integrated approach within these sciences. Then, scientific questions came Into the public domain. Their objectives was seized by various groups with diverse perceptions and interests, referring to several legitimacy orders, conveying conflicting views of rationality and efficiency (NGOs, representatives of the industrial world, United Nations agencies, ...). The Issue ceased to be a purely scientific concern, it entered the arena of social choices. This shift In the very definition of the question and of Its stakes was accompanied by a change In the words: biological diversity was turned Into biodiversity. Then a compromise among the participants - the convention on biological diversity - was sought and organized, In particular under the pressure of the Industries using biotechnologies. It confirmed the trends that had been outlined in the preceding years: the tendency to reduce bodiversity to its genetic components considered as resources, that Is potential inputs for Industry, and the claim for property rights, presented as the means to ensure access to genetic materials and to favour International trade agreements and technology transfer. Market logic and rationality have finally prevailed over concerns for ethics and heritage. Biodiversity has been reduced to a set of resources, the valuation and adequate appropriation of which appear as prerequisites for the institution of a market held to be a guarantee of sustainable management. Ľérosion de la biodiversité se range désormais parmi les problèmes d'environnement global. Å ce titre, les étapes de sa définition et de ľélaboration des mesures à prendre s'organisent sur le même modèle que pour le changement climatique. Tout d'abord, les questions scientifiques passent clans le domaine public et se déclinent sous la forme de choix de société : la diversité biologique est transformée en biodiversité. Puts un compromis - la Convention sur la diversité biologique - s'organise, en particuller sous la pression des industriels des biotechnologies. La raison marchande ľemporte sur les approches éthiques et patrimoniales, réduisant la biodiversité aux ressources génétiques et préconisant ľinstauration de la propriété comme garantle de sa gestion durable.