ASE July 2025

61

“Conservation isn’t about perfection. It’s about

participation.”

Questions for Reflection

• Arghya challenges the idea of defining oneself “only as a scientist” in

ecology. What broader perspective does he advocate, and why is this crucial

for understanding complex ecosystems?

• The article highlights the undervaluation of “cultural and relational

values” in ecosystem services. According to Arghya, what are the negative

consequences of ignoring these non-monetizable values in policy and what

is the true purpose of valuation frameworks?