Current state and enhancement pathways of biocultural diversity: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract A considerable number of field cases and review studies have contributed to the remedial conservation and promotion of the world's biocultural diversity, but few reviews have attempted to systematically and retrospectively analyze the existing studies. Therefore, this study aims to explore the paradigm model and research focus of current BCD studies, to expand the biocultural diversity enhancement pathways, and to reveal the gaps and guide future directions. We used grounded theory as a tool to code 111 high-quality literature abstracts (2010–2022) screened in related fields. We found: (1) the causal conditions for BCD research in the paradigm model are primarily the negative impact of human activities, while the actions and consequences are primarily focused on specific resource conservation, conceptual and approach exploration; (2) the integration of the relevant logic chains yields two major research focuses: biocultural heritage and biocultural approaches; (3) three areas of BCD enhancement pathways are identified: Resources Protection, Academic Integration, and Governance Strategy. We suggest that the BCD research lacks the relevant evaluation system and its application in an urban context, and future efforts should be made in terms of official intervention, concept expansion, and decision-making. This review may provide the theoretical basis for the practice and promotion of BCD in a global context.