Harmonizing biodiversity, environment, and economy: A coordinative framework for aquatic conservation
Aquatic ecosystems sustain planetary health and human prosperity by providing fisheries, water purification, and “blue carbon” sinks that mitigate climate change.1 Yet, habitat loss, pollution, chemical contaminants, and invasive species are driving rapid degradation, threatening biodiversity hotspots and dependent economies. A major gap is the absence of tools to quantify nonlinear feedback and threshold linking biodiversity recovery (Bio), environmental remediation (Env), and economic returns (Econ). Current policies often treat these as competing trade-offs, overlooking their synergies.2 This undermines protection efforts and can trigger ecological cascades. For instance, introducing exotic species to boost fisheries has often harmed native biodiversity and long-term food security.3 Without harmonizing these pillars, conservation becomes reactive and inefficient.
Biodiversity-environment-economy framework
The Biodiversity-Environment-Economy (BEE) framework harmonizes ecological integrity (Bio), environmental resource stewardship (Env), and inclusive prosperity (Econ) into a self-reinforcing system. Unlike the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) or Nature-based Solutions (NbS), BEE embeds measurable feedback loops so that each pillar must fuel the next (Figure 1):
Biodiversity (Bio) supports resilience through genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, from plankton driving nutrient cycles to keystone fish shaping habitats. Wetlands can purify up to 90% of agricultural nitrate while storing carbon; submerged macrophytes (e.g., Vallisneria natans (Lour.) H. Hara) reduce algal blooms and provide fish refuge. These functions are easily disrupted by overfishing, invasives, and habitat loss. Restoring native species and controlling exotic are critical to climate adaptation.
Environment (Env) targets pollution control, habitat restoration, and climate adaptation. Measures include “sponge watershed” designs, constructed wetlands treat wastewater while supporting biodiversity. Innovative biomass management, such as targeted fishery harvesting, can remove excess nutrients to improve water quality. Maintaining stable physicochemical conditions such as balanced pH, oxygen levels, and sediment integrity—is essential for preserving ecosystem functions across trophic levels.
Economy (Econ) redefines prosperity with ecological thresholds. Regenerative aquaculture (e.g., rice-fish farming systems), circular value chains (e.g., algae-to-fertilizer), and biodiversity-positive financing mechanisms (e.g., green bonds, eco-insurance) turn conservation into economic opportunities. True-cost accounting ensures that economic activities reinforce ecosystem health.
