Biology is not alone : the interdisciplinary nature of biosecurity

Abstract

Recognition and management of anthropogenic environmental impacts as ‘biosecurity’ is a relatively new concept to our society. Although biosecurity risks are based on biological impacts, biosecurity management is truly interdisciplinary-transdisciplinary since the definition and interpretation of risk and adverse effects are socially constructed, and the outcomes and management of the risks can have significant social and economic impacts. The New Zealand biosecurity strategy is very clear that the responsibilities for environmental risk management lie with society as a whole. The authors explore how disciplines other than biology may contribute to the understanding of biosecurity risks, their management and mitigation. This paper outlines the interdisciplinary-transdisciplinary nature of biosecurity, with an emphasis on the social and economic elements.