Application of decision tools to ethical analysis in biodiversity conservation
Conservation Biology
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Abstract: This study presents a methodology for applying decision tools?including the ethical matrix, decision trees, and Bateson's cube?to support ethical analysis and decision-making in complex biodiversity conservation scenarios. The authors demonstrate how these tools can integrate different value dimensions (environmental, social, and animal welfare) involved in conservation ethics. The research applies these tools to a case study concerning the management of the oldest remaining northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), a functionally extinct subspecies, and the decision of whether to continue collecting biomaterial. The ethical matrix was used to gather ethical considerations and enable participatory decision-making, decision trees compared available options based on ethical criteria, and Bateson's cube established thresholds of ethical acceptability. The application of these integrated tools proved essential in structuring the decision-making process and facilitating transparent, reasoned, shared decisions on the ethically optimal conservation option.