Page - 159 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

159© The Author(s) 2019 M. R. Marselle et al. (eds.), Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_8 Chapter 8 Biodiversity in  the  Context of  ‘Biodiversity  – Mental Health’ Research Sjerp  de  Vries and  Robbert  Snep Abstract In this chapter the concept of biodiversity and its measurement and use in ‘biodiversity  – mental health’ research is discussed, as well as access to and con- tact with biodiverse nature. It is pointed out that biodiversity is an ecological con- cept that originated in the context of nature conservation. It has evolved without consideration of its potential role in mental health promotion. In studying the latter, the concept of biodiversity is frequently adapted. Such adaptations are likely to occur at the expense of its relevance for nature conservation. Using the concept of biodiversity as originally intended may be fruitful for a different type of research question, focusing more on multi-functionality issues: can the same nature consti- tute a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem and enhance mental health simultaneously? By pointing out this and related issues, this chapter aims to support researchers and students in future research, and help both scientists and policy-makers to position and assess studies in this field. Keywords Health promotion · Nature conservation · Functional biodiversity · Ecosystem health · Measurement · Multi-functionality Highlights • The concept ‘biodiversity’ is frequently adapted in studies on its health effects. • Such adaptations tend to make these studies less relevant for nature conservation. • Health promotion and nature conservation may have different requirements. S. de  Vries (*) · R. Snep Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands e-mail: sjerp.devries@wur.nl; robbert.snep@wur.nl To measure is to know, but know what you measure. (anonymous)