Unity of Nature and Man: a new vision and conceptual framework for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
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Natl Sci Rev, 2021, Vol. 8, nwaa265
SCIENCE POLICY
Special Topic: Ecological Civilization—Insights into Humans and Nature
Unity of Nature and Man: a new vision and conceptual framework for
the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
Tianxiao Ma 1 , Yisi Hu1,2 , Meng Wang1,2 , Lijun Yu1,2 and Fuwen Wei 1,2,3,4,∗
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People live in nature. However, substan- Harmony with Nature’. Mace et al. humans treat nature as an object to fear,
tial evidence confirms that, under the [5]argued that targets should be devel- conquer, pillage and rule. In this con-
pressure of anthropogenic alteration, oped in a well-defined, ambitious and text, nature and man are regarded as
nature is being fragmented, imperiled measurable way to support the next opposing entities with contradictory de-
and becoming less able to provide essen- CBD vision, and that three indicators mands. It is true that the two have differ-
tial services [1]. Biodiversity loss is the are required to measure the progress in ent needs: nature’s demands are to main-
most significant signal of this depletion, biodiversity recovery. Paired with the tain its components, ecological processes
and could profoundly impact the future UN’s Paris Climate Agreement, ‘A global and evolutionary potential, while man’s
of human beings and the rest of life on deal for nature’ ambitiously targets 30% demands are to sustain a growing pop-
Earth [2]. of Earth to be formally protected and ulation and improve quality of life rely-
Against this background, Parties of an additional 20% designated as climate ing on resources and services provided
Convention on Biological Diversity stabilization areas by 2030, to preserve by nature. But the assumption underly-
(CBD) agreed a 2011–2020 Strate- biodiversity and keep global warming be- ing this separation of humanity and na-
gic Plan and 20 Aichi Targets to halt low 1.5◦ C [6]. Locke et al. [7] proposed ture is that nature is a limitless store-
continuing biodiversity loss. However, an enabling framework of three global house for humans to enrich themselves as
according to the latest global assessment conditions for biodiversity conservation much as their creativity allows. Dominant
report released by the Intergovernmental and sustainable use that could support anthropocentrism and dramatic techno-
Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity both approaches and achieve the 2050 logical development free humans to ex-
and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in Vision. These technical suggestions ploit nature, which has already exceeded
2019, biodiversity is still declining glob- provide important ideas for development a safe and just operating space for human-
ally at rates unprecedented in human of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity ity [9,10]. Nature’s demands have been
history [3]. It is clear that the majority Framework (post-2020 GBF). However, neglected in this process, which in turn
of the Aichi Targets will not be met they do not question the vision or the undermined man’s basic needs, including
by the 2020 deadline [4]. Even with basic conceptual framework of the demands under the Sustainable Develop-
a careful strategic plan developed and current Strategic Plan of the CBD. ment Goals for clean air and water, via
implemented under the authoritative We argue that the current 2050 Vi- interactions across the coupled human-
CBD context, biodiversity and ecosys- sion will not be sufficient to drive trans- natural system [11]. In light of the
tem services critical for humanity are formative change. Further, we argue that great damage this thinking has caused to
declining and degrading fast. This has human development cannot be divorced biodiversity and ecosystems, we can no
prompted reflections on the current from biodiversity conservation and uti- longer assume that nature is an infi-
strategic plan and the UN framework in lization. The basic understanding of the nite resource to exploit. Nature and its
general [3,4]. appropriate balance in the relationship ability to provide services keep being
The 15th Conference of Parties between nature and humans is actually damaged, which we now know threat-
(COP15) of CBD will be held in China the crucial point. It is the starting point ens the future development of human-
in 2021, during which the new strategic that lays the very foundation of any ambi- ity [3]. Consequently, a rethink of the
plan for the next decade of biodiversity tious and effective strategic plan for bio- relationship between nature and man,
conservation will be drafted. Various diversity conservation. and also their demands, is essential for
suggestions have been proposed by With the human-centric perspective ensuring the appropriate course of bi-
scientists and different stakeholders for dominating for the past two centuries, ological diversity conservation and also
contributing to this much-anticipated nature and human are seen as two sep- humanity development for the coming
strategic plan. They are focused on arate entities [8]. Nature is treated as decades.
meeting the 2050 Vision of ‘Living in being ‘outside’ of humans, and thus
Page 1 of 5
Natl Sci Rev, 2021, Vol. 8, nwaa265
‘LIVING IN HARMONY WITH versity is valued, conserved, restored and considers the demands of both nature
NATURE’ VS. ‘UNITY OF NATURE wisely used, (c) maintaining ecosystem and man at the same time by adopting a
AND MAN’ services, (d) sustaining a healthy planet sustainable approach. In this way, nature
and (e) delivering benefits essential for all and man are no longer two opposed
The modern nature-human dichotomous people’. individuals, nor are their demands, but
perspective emphasizes the material sub- This version of the meaning of LHN are in complete harmony, blend and
stance of nature and its instrumental loses its original Taoist flavor. This can finally become one.
value relative to the contribution to hu- be seen in the words that imply nature’s On 5 September 2019, the theme
mans [8]. However, within the context value to humans is necessary: nature is of CBD COP15 was finalized and an-
of some other knowledge systems, na- to be ‘valued, conserved, restored and nounced as ‘Ecological Civilization -
ture has its intrinsic value because of wisely used’ as an object, not treated as an Building a Shared Future for All Life
the existence of its components and also equal. There is no recognition that it has on Earth’ [15]. This theme originates
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the broader aspect of concepts it cov- its own needs and its own evolutionary di- from the Chinese vision of ecological
ers, such as the cultural elements of an- rection that must be respected in a rela- civilization. Ecological civilization is
cestors, shared history and deities [12]. tionship of mutuality as opposed to one an eco-innovation rooted in traditional
This intrinsic value is not necessarily re- of exploitation. While realizing this vision wisdom of UNM to harmonize the
lated to the materials and services nature would certainly be an improvement over apparent contradiction between eco-
provides for man but, in turn, man is in- current conditions, it still does not cre- nomic development and environmental
cluded as component just as other ani- ate the indispensable right relationship of protection [16]. COP15 is considered to
mals [13]. One extreme example is the UNM on which future sustainability de- be a ‘unique and historical opportunity’
traditional Chinese Taoism, in which na- pends. In contrast, a vision based on the to reconcile the relationship between
ture is represented by Tien (Heaven and Taoist idea of ‘Unity of Nature and Man’ humanity and nature [15]. UNM, as
Earth), which is composed of human and could achieve this. the real connotation of COP15 theme,
non-human nature and even the ultimate could enable this renewed understand-
rule of this universe. All these perspec- ing, promote the establishment of ‘a
tives have a common ground – nature and 2050 VISION: UNITY OF NATURE global society in which economic, social,
man are as one. AND MAN (UNM) cultural and environmental concerns are
Sharing this perspective, Taoism As UNM implies, nature’s intrinsic addressed in a truly holistic way’ [15]
describes the relationship between value is the existence of its compo- and foster a sustainable future shared by
nature and man as ‘Heaven and earth nents and broad non-material concepts all life on Earth.
were born at the same time I was, and the covered. It advocates that man, as one To summarize the above implications
ten-thousand things are one with me’ (d component of nature, must arrange his of UNM, we propose a more holistic
ddddd, ddddddd) [14], activities following the rule that nature 2050 Vision of ‘Unity of Nature and Man
which can be concisely summarized as a contains, and without damaging the whereby all of Nature is respected, its rule
vision of ‘Unity of Nature and Man’ (‘d sustainability of other components when is conformed to, and its components are
d d d’) (UNM). The Chinese sages’ meeting his own needs. For example, adequately protected and Humanity meets
UNM vision embraces inherent respect in classical Chinese philosophy, UNM its own unique needs through sustainable
for nature and advocates that humanity proposed ‘d d d d d d (Trees production and sustainable consumption on
development should conform to the rule are logged by time), d d d d d d land and ocean, therefore the sustainabil-
of nature with a holistic view. Against the (Birds and beasts are hunted by time)’, ity of both nature and man are guaran-
background of the current perspective telling people to use natural resources teed and united.’ This UNM Vision can di-
of separation of nature and man and the conforming to the life cycle of creatures rect and motivate more comprehensive
resulting ecological crisis, this inspires to guarantee the sustainability of both and effective actions for conserving bio-
us to recognize ourselves as, and behave provider and beneficiary. However, diversity and meeting human’s demands
as, a member of nature following the along with humanity’s overexploitation at the same time to ensure the effec-
principle of UNM. of nature to accommodate increasing tive outcome of the CBD’s three main
The current 2050 Vision uses the demands for material goods, the modern objectives.
words ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’, human-nature relationship has clearly Using the Chinese Taoist philosophy,
the meaning of which in its original lan- deviated from the ideal state of UNM we propose a new conceptual framework
guage is society in symbiosis with nature, and led to the current environmental to illustrate the vision of ‘Unity of Na-
both with mutual benefit and necessarily crisis. To halt the continuing decline of ture and Man’ and relate it to implemen-
detrimental aspects for one of the parties nature and revert to UNM, humanity tation. A tetrahedron framework shows
[12]. However, Living in Harmony with development must be aligned with na- the three main skeletons, represented by
Nature (LHN) as used by the CBD has ture’s limits and demands by respecting ‘Nature’s needs’, ‘Man’s needs’ and ‘Bal-
four attributes which narrow its mean- its existence, conforming to its rule ance of Nature and Man’, and their re-
ing. The Vision says: ‘By 2050, (b) biodi- and conserving its sustainability. UNM lationships for achieving UNM (Fig. 1).
Page 2 of 5Natl Sci Rev, 2021, Vol. 8, nwaa265
environmental crisis. Previous failures
Unity of Nature and Man
evidenced that business-as-usual cannot
slow the rate of biodiversity loss, let alone
put it on a path to recovery. Departure
from business-as-usual will not happen
naturally, especially with the opposition
n
M
tio
from those with vested interests [3,4],
G3-ach
G
s
an
ec
2-
ed
Balanc
m
ot
’s but can be underpinned and fostered by
ee
pr
ne
ne
tm
or
ie
ed alternative value systems of whole soci-
’s
sf
an
ve susta
re
ed
s
’s
eties. Recognition and respect of nature’s
tu
ne
ne
e of Na
ed
Na
e’s
intrinsic value as well as positioning man
s
ur
fo
inable d
rw
at
as part of nature will motivate people to
tn
el
lb
ture &
ee
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ei
move to address the problem and seek
m
ng
evelopm
-
G1
the ideal state of Unity of Nature and
Man Man. The shift of value systems will en-
ent
hance individuals’ and societies’ internal
connection with nature [17], and drive
policy, technology and humanity devel-
ons
Enabling Conditi opment on the track towards sustain-
ability. The achievement of global biodi-
versity targets relies on collective global
efforts. Although UNM originates from
classical Chinese philosophy, its core is
shared by different cultures and perspec-
Figure 1. Tetrahedron structure of the new conceptual framework. The three upper skeletons rep-
tives worldwide, e.g. the ancient ‘Mother
resent the main strategic goals of the framework, focusing on ‘Nature’s needs’, ‘Man’s needs’ and
‘Balance of Nature and Man’, respectively The base plain represents the enabling conditions (e.g. Earth’, ‘Gaia’ in South America, ‘Brah-
mainstreaming, capacity building and resource mobilization) for assuring effective implementation man’ in India and modern environmental
of the strategic plan. ethics. In this light, UNM is promising to
align efforts of different parties and com-
munities to a unified vision. This nature
The base plain in the bottom repre- meet they must be co-equal and inextri-
also allows for UNM and its principles to
sents the enabling conditions (e.g. main- cably intertwined.
be translated easily into language that fa-
streaming, capacity building and resource
cilitates parties and communities devel-
mobilization) acting as the footstone of
KEYS FOR THE PATHWAY oping specific solutions for balancing lo-
the whole framework. Each of the three
TOWARDS UNM VISION cal developments with nature and sharing
skeletons has a clear goal, which com-
useful implementation experiences.
bined with the others, will lead towards While the Unity of Nature and Man pro-
UNM. The three are (1) meet nature’s vides an alternative conceptual frame-
needs for protection, (2) meet humans’ work to rethink and deal with our rela- Holistic view and systems
needs for wellbeing, and (3) achieve sus- tionship to nature, further developments thinking promotes required
tainable development that leads to a new are needed to enable its effective imple- knowledge and nexus
kind of prosperity which respects nature’s mentation. Here we propose four dimen-
needs, and unites and balances the needs
approaches
sions that should be examined to enable
of nature and human. These goals also the changes that can balance the needs Interactions between nature and hu-
correspond to the three main objectives of nature and man moving forwards to manity, including between ecosystems
of CBD including biodiversity conserva- achieve the strategic goals of CBD and and human wellbeing, are complex. To
tion, equitable sharing of benefit (wellbe- 2050 UNM Vision. address the current environmental crisis,
ing) and sustainable use of biodiversity. including biodiversity loss, requires a
When all three strategic goals are sup- deepening understand of this complexity,
ported by another goal of adequate en- which can be informed by UNM phi-
Transformation of value systems
abling conditions, we can achieve UNM. losophy. Knowledge of coupled human-
underpins the departure from nature or socio-ecological systems,
The key point of this is that true inte-
gration of nature and man (UNM) means
business-as-usual including that of indigenous and local
integrating human development goals Based on the above discussion, the long- communities [12], should be accu-
and biodiversity goals as equal and mu- term misinterpretation of our relation- mulated and should evolve through
tually reinforcing. Both have their own ship with nature and the resulting in- enhanced interdisciplinary research
needs which must be met, and where they terferences are responsible for today’s and adoption of a more holistic view of
Page 3 of 5Natl Sci Rev, 2021, Vol. 8, nwaa265
UNM that regards nature and human to more sustainable ones [4,17,23]. In
as an organic whole. As biodiversity is this light, the transformation of how we
a multifaceted issue intertwined with value nature and the way we deal with the
human development, nexus (integrated) relationship to nature proposed by the
and system-oriented approaches are UNM makes it fundamental momentum
needed to simultaneously achieve goals and also enhancement of other leverage
of biodiversity conservation, related points for societal changes. Additionally,
human wellbeing improvement, and to three goals in the UNM conceptual
seek a balance in the UNM framework. framework, namely meet nature’s needs,
Systems thinking focusing on dynamic meet human’s needs, and their balance
relationships of these three dimensions, through sustainable development, reflect
including their elements, is necessary the complex interconnection between
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to identify effective solutions to address biodiversity issues and humanity devel-
complex challenges of biodiversity loss opment. Endeavors to reach these goals
and sustainable development. Some will promote knowledge accumulation
good practices are emerging. For in- of social-ecological systems, including Figure 2. A Chinese temple showing the step
stance, the Nature-based Solutions externalities and telecouplings, while path towards the UNM Vision. Standing on the
aims to provide human wellbeing and the UNM philosophy’s holistic view can base plain of ‘enabling conditions’, three strong
biodiversity benefits simultaneously with inform and foster integrated solutions pillars symbolize the three main strategic goals
support of nature [18], and the policy for the nexus of relevant goals featured of this new framework. These support upgrad-
ing of the stage goals of 2020, 2030, 2040 and
innovation of Ecological Conservation by complex interactions and multi-sector
2050. By achieving these goals, we can finally
Redline, under a broader institutional involvement, all of which can underpin reach the vision of UNM, ‘Unity of Nature and
framework of Ecological Civilization in desirable transformative changes in Man’.
China, is designed to guarantee both the different aspects. On the other hand,
national ecological security and essential the realization of UNM Vision and
ecosystem services [19–21]. These con- its potential contributions to CBD’s A phased approach and
cepts and practices offer references and three strategic goals and the Sustainable milestones on area-based target
inspiration for other countries to develop Development Goals rely on concrete
to reach the UNM Vision
integrated solutions to sustain biodiver- commitments from Parties. The shared
sity benefits and human wellbeing. aspiration to build a sustainable future ‘Unity of Nature and Man’ aiming
for both humanity and nature will form to tackle the long-term imbalance of
the first step of global communities to- meeting the needs of nature and man is
Transformative changes to wards the UNM Vision. Mainstreaming an ambitious vision. It can be reached
tackle indirect drivers of humans’ dependence on nature and the only by achieving stage goals one by one
biodiversity loss and concrete necessity to respect the intrinsic value of following periodic strategic plans with
commitments of Parties nature and needs will help to generate a collective global efforts. Milestone(s)
sense of responsibility to act for nature or overarching goal(s) can motivate
Based on the Global Assessment Report willingness of stakeholders to develop
and biodiversity across sectors in differ-
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services ambitious but realistic plans on bio-
ent scales. Parties should take the form of
issued by IPBES, three goals of CBD diversity conservation and enhanced
commitments to achieve transformative
and sustainable future cannot be met mainstreaming. Notwithstanding much
changes in current unsustainable produc-
along current trajectories, and are only debate on the bold protected area target
tion and consumption patterns to reduce
possible through transformative changes [24–27], the Post-2020 GBF should
indirect drivers for biodiversity loss, and
across economic, social, political and still be expected to aim higher on the
in governance approaches to handle
technological factors [3,4]. According area-based protection/retention target
nexus challenges on simultaneously
to Donella Meadows, there are ‘leverage and regard it as a critical milestone for
meeting the needs of nature and man in
points’ where small shifts can lead to global biodiversity conservation in the
the long term. Last but not least, a trans-
fundamental changes in the system coming decades. Land-use change acted
formative resource mobilization strategy
towards sustainability [22]. Although as the sharpest contradictions between
is essential for sufficient and effective
specific leverage points vary across nature and man over the past 50 years
financial support for the ambitious UNM
contexts, a shift of value systems, as well [4]. The decline of nature will not stop
Vision, especially against the background
as visions of a good life, are agreed to be unless biodiversity per se has sufficient
of post-pandemic recovery of the world’s
deep leverage points for enabling trans- space to sustain whilst ensuring man’s
economy.
formative changes from current trends needs are met guided by the Agenda
Page 4 of 5Natl Sci Rev, 2021, Vol. 8, nwaa265
of Sustainable Development. Bold, as Tianxiao Ma 1 , Yisi Hu1,2 , Meng Wang1,2 , 12. Dı́az S, Demissew S and Carabias J et al. Curr
well as deliberate, area-based target will Opin Environ Sustain 2015; 14: 1–16.
Lijun Yu1,2 and Fuwen Wei 1,2,3,4,∗
drive transition of contradictions to 1 CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and
13. Caillon S, Cullman G and Verschuuren B et al. Ecol
managed trade-offs between needs of Soc 2017; 22: 27.
Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese
nature and man, by adopting other effec- 14. Zhuangzi and Watson B. The Complete Works of
Academy of Sciences, China; 2 University of Chinese
tive conservation measures (OECMs), Zhuangzi. New York: Columbia University Press,
Academy of Sciences, China; 3 Center for Excellence
spatial planning, and adaptive manage- 2013.
in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy
ment and governance interventions. 15. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Di-
of Sciences, China and 4 Center for Evolution and
Meanwhile, the use and management of versity. Theme Announced for Landmark 2020 UN
Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and
biodiversity from ecosystems to genes to Biodiversity Conference: ‘Ecological Civilization:
Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou),
meet humans’ needs must be bounded Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth’.
China
within the limit of planetary boundaries Montréal, Canada: Secretariat to the Convention
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∗ Corresponding author.
and fixed on the road of sustainability. on Biological Diversity, 2019.
E-mail: weifw@ioz.ac.cn
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