“Natural capital is the stock of renewable and non-renewable natural resources (e.g. plants, animals, air, water, soils, minerals) that combine to yield a flow of benefits to people”
(Natural Capital Protocol, 2016)
Our economic and social systems are connected to, and depend on, nature.
For example, in 2022, the Australian Conservation Foundation published a report that found approximately half of Australia’s GDP has a moderate to very high direct dependence on nature (IDEEA Group provided the analysis for this report).
Around the world, governments and businesses are recognising and measuring nature impacts and dependencies that underpin our long-term prosperity.
Recognising nature as capital, and assessing our impacts and dependencies, is a vital step in addressing the environmental, social and economic challenges our planet currently faces.
Natural capital is a fundamental component of environmental economics. Natural capital approaches also support sustainable development, circular economies and efforts to achieve nature-positive outcomes for our world.
We’ve put together this easy-to-read guide explaining the fundamentals of natural capital and natural capital accounting. It’s a great place to start your journey. Here’s what we cover:
- The integrated capitals
- Natural capital accounting
- Decluttering the natural capital space
- What is the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA)?
- Establishing a baseline
- Getting started with a Roadmap
- Further resources
Up next: The integrated capitals >
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