The integration of socio-economic sciences into the field of biodiversity research is of major importance in order to slow down and halt the continuing human-mediated loss of biodiversity. This should include the analysis of public awareness and perceptions, and consumers’ attitudes and preferences with regard to biodiversity, and then how both of these factors relate to behaviour and public policy.

To influence policy-making and stimulate public awareness, increased knowledge of the values of biodiversity (not limited to pure economic value) is needed, for instance by improving methods for their valuation and by conducting high-profile studies on the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services in ecosystems of topical interest. In the valuation process, the relationships between health (physical and mental well-being) and biodiversity should also be investigated. More research should be dedicated to the link between changes in biodiversity and the rise in incidence of some already existing human and animal diseases or in the emergence of new ones.