Lack of progress to reverse the declining global trend of biodiversity is partly due to a mismatch between how ‘living nature’ is conceived and valued by the conservation movement on the one hand, and by many different people, including marginalized communities, on the other. Addressing this problem requires a pluralistic perspective on biodiversity. This requires reflecting on the use of the concept of biodiversity, willingness to expand its ambit, and engagement with the multiple and multi-level drivers of change. We propose ways for conservation science, policy, and practice to deliver more effective and socially just conservation outcomes.