The role of knowledge and spatial contexts in biodiversity policies: a sociological perspective

In policy processes, 'biodiversity' has been broadened into a holistic noti on uniting a variety of cultural, social and economic issues with the biolo gical conservation issue. Therefore, the formation of biodiversity conserva tion into concrete policy goals appears rather difficult. In this paper, we aim to explore the political implications and consequences of the strong d ependency on science of the biodiversity issue. Concentrating especially on environmental policy options, we also examine the 'globalization' and 'loc alization' processes in the case of biodiversity. In spite of several contr oversial features and of an evident lack of knowledge on biological diversi ty, the issue undoubtedly has significant political strengths. However, fro m the viewpoint of research on environmental policies, the role of scientif ic knowledge in decision making should be recognized as an open empirical q uestion depending on the concrete contexts of the decision-making process. Further, it is concluded that the concepts relating to global environment a re objects of a continuous localization. Thus, any moral-technocratic solut ions emphasizing simply 'universal interests' as the basis for global biodi versity management must be met with caution. In future research there is a need for concrete case studies in order to clarify the local conditions and opportunities of biodiversity policies.