International biodiversity governance has progressively evolved from a predominantly ecological and conservationoriented approach toward a more integrated framework that incorporates economic reasoning. This article argues that such an evolution is not merely terminological, but reflects a deeper transformation in the way biodiversity is conceptualized and governed at the international level. The study examines whether, and to what extent, international biodiversity conventions and related policy initiatives have incorporated economic considerations alongside traditional conservation objectives. Using a text analysis methodology, the article analyzes the language of key international conventions adopted since the 1970s, distinguishing between early conservation agreements, statebased conventions, and instruments developed within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This analysis is complemented by an examination of the conceptual frameworks adopted by the Intergovernmental SciencePolicy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and the European Union Biodiversity Strategy. The findings show a growing emphasis on ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human wellbeing, which emerges progressively across the examined instruments and culminates in the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework. From a lawandeconomics perspective, this study argues that economic instrumentssuch as taxes, subsidies, tradable permits, and payments for ecosystem servicesplay a crucial role in translating biodiversity commitments into effective and actionable policy measures. The article concludes that future biodiversity governance is likely to rely increasingly on economic approaches to complement legal obligations and enhance their practical effectiveness.
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