Purpose This paper introduces Biovariety (BV), a triferential relational indicator designed to overcome the limitations of traditional biodiversity metrics by assessing the relational viability of ecosystems rather than their observable diversity. The purpose is to provide a non-compensatory, structurally transparent framework capable of distinguishing between apparent diversity and functional resilience. Design/methodology/approach The study develops a formal architecture integrating three non-substitutable dimensions: Position (structural adequacy), Function (processual contribution), and Stability/Meaning (socio-ecological legitimacy). The index incorporates a viability threshold (Vᵣeq) and generates adaptive reserves (VNRe). Empirical validation is conducted through holomatrix-based modelling, comparative scenario analysis, and application to real ecological datasets. Findings The results show that systems with moderate–high species richness may operate below their relational viability threshold (BV Vᵣeq), while structurally coherent systems with lower taxonomic diversity may retain positive adaptive reserves (VNRe 0). BV reveals structural bottlenecks, detects functional non-equivalence, and captures stabilizing symbolic attributes overlooked by conventional indicators. The model enables early detection of latent collapse conditions. Research limitations/implications BV requires distributed temporal and spatial data, and the operationalization of the Stability/Meaning dimension (Bs) demands standardized protocols. Further work should expand counterfactual simulations for stress-testing ecosystem interventions. Practical implications BV supports real-time ecological management by integrating dashboards, weekly proxy monitoring, and non-compensatory thresholds. It enables earlier, more precise decision-making in conservation, restoration, and productive contexts by identifying relational degradation before functional collapse occurs. Social implications The Biovariety Index challenges top-down conservation by formally integrating socio-cultural meaning (Bs) into ecological health assessments. This empowers local and Indigenous communities, whose knowledge and symbolic practices are recognized as vital for ecosystem viability. The framework provides a transparent, auditable tool for environmental justice, ensuring that conservation strategies are not only ecologically sound but also socially legitimate and culturally sustainable. By quantifying the social dimension of resilience, it helps prevent conflicts and fosters co-designed, equitable land management. Originality/value The paper provides the first relational, non-compensatory metric of ecosystem viability grounded in Triferential Relational Logic. It reframes biodiversity from accounting of components to analysis of relational plasticity, offering significant value for ecological modelling, environmental governance, and complexity-based sustainability science.
Leonardo Lavanderos (Mon,) studied this question.