Valuing nature in Argentina: Transforming or accommodating the status quo?

Abstract

The environmental field is characterized by a proliferation of concepts that aim to promote new practices and more sustainable development models. It is important to understand whether these concepts achieve their transformative objectives or linger around as empty buzzwords. This paper analyses the concept of ecosystem services, which seeks to promote conservation by capturing the value of the services that nature provides to humans. By analysing its translation into practice and policy in the context of extractivist and commodity-based economies, we reveal its limited transformative potential. Our analysis of three Argentine provinces shows how the concept is not fulfilling its advocates' expectations and has not been able to provide new tools to rethink economic activities in a more environmentally sustainable fashion. By contrast, the concept has been applied in ways that accommodate the local status quo and the interests of hegemonic actors. Future environmental conceptual innovation ought to incorporate deeper awareness of the political and economic conditions that affect a concept's translation into practice and policy.