Page - 152 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

152 Which Theories Address Biodiversity? Biodiversity is explicitly considered in fractal geometry, the Biophilia Hypothesis, and the Ecosystem Service Cascade Model. Fractal dimensions have been used to determine habitat quality (Imre and Bogaert 2004), landscape structure and composition (Pe’er et  al. 2013), habitat complexity (Dibble and Thomaz 2009) and species richness of an area (Stevens 2018). The Biophilia Hypothesis posits a preference for animals, plants and natural environments, but it does not specify which species or landscape types are best for fulfilling the biophilic need for connection to nature (Sundli Tveit et  al. 2013). Further, the strongest work on the Biophilia Hypothesis is with its opposite, biopho- bia, the fear of specific animals and landscapes (Ulrich 1993). The Ecosystem Table 7.2 (continued) Framework Description Biodiversity conceptualisation Mental well-being conceptualisation Mediating pathways Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) Environments facilitate recovery from physiological arousal and psychological stress Restorative environments are characterised by visual characteristics: moderate complexity; moderate depth; a focal point; deflected vistas (e.g. path bending away); a ground surface conducive for movement; lack of threat; and water. Biodiversity is considered to be a measure of an environment’s complexity Reduced physiological arousal, psychological stress and reduced negative affect, and enhanced positive affect Autonomic nervous system Attention Restoration Theory (ART) Person- environment transactions in environments facilitate restoration from directed attention fatigue A restorative environment is one that requires little cognitive effort. Natural environments are more likely to permit and promote restoration. Biodiversity is not explicitly considered Ability to concentrate or direct  attention. This is an executive cognitive function, required to process information, and inhibit and plan behaviour and problem solving Experiential qualities between the person and the environment will help restore directed attention: fascination; coherence; compatibility and; being away Ecosystem Service Cascade Model details the links between biodiversity and human values through ecosystem services Any biophysical structure or process. But biodiversity can also be part of an ecosystem function and ecosystem service Ecosystem service benefit is described as “something that directly impacts on the welfare of people” Ecosystem functions and ecosystem services M. R. Marselle