Which of the following options best describes the ethical basis for conservation of biodiversity?
The utilitarian principle that biodiversity provides ecosystem services that benefit humans.
The biocentric principle that all living beings have inherent value and deserve respect.
The anthropocentric principle that humans have a moral obligation to protect the environment for future generations.
The ecocentric principle that the environment should be protected for its own sake, independent of human interests.
The biocentric principle states that all living beings have inherent value and deserve respect, forming the ethical basis for the conservation of biodiversity. It emphasizes the intrinsic worth of every species, irrespective of their usefulness to humans. Conservation efforts guided by this principle aim to protect and sustain biodiversity based on the inherent rights of all living beings. This perspective diverges from human-centered or environment-centered approaches and focuses on the unique role and purpose of each species in the natural world. By embracing the biocentric principle, conservation seeks to honor the intrinsic value of all species and preserve the diverse and interconnected web of life on Earth. Hence, the correct answer is option 2.