Social Underpinnings of Ecological Knowledge: Business Perceptions of Biodiversity as Social Learning

Abstract

Biodiversity loss presents a serious business risk, particularly for natural resource–based sectors. Improved ecological knowledge has been identified as a means to change perceptions and motivate operational reform regarding biodiversity, but the processes by which businesses gain such knowledge remain unclear. One possible process is to use social learning. Social learning describes processes of ecological knowledge transfer and identifies essential components of successful learning processes. Social learning is applied to forestry and salmon farming in Chile. The role of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) as a “bridging organisation,” prompting learning by forestry firms, contrasts with the absence of such an organisation in salmon farming. This article demonstrates how even with improved ecological knowledge firms may not fully transform operations, instead seeking to protect core activities from substantive reform. The article reflects on potential applications of social learning to other socioecological contexts, and areas for future research regarding business and biodiversity.