News

News and views For other relevant news, read the Society of Biology science policy newsletter and the British Ecological Society blog.

Consultation on a Green Paper on a new approach to natural resource management in Wales now open

03 February 2012

Wales' nature, land, water and air are our ultimate resource - the basis on which everything else is possible. If we are to realise our aspirations for better quality of life and future prospects, we need to ensure that that resource is put to best and most sustainable use.
Our aim is: to ensure that Wales has increasingly resilient and diverse ecosystems that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits.
We are seeking your views on proposed changes to the governance and delivery of the management and regulation of the environment in Wales, based on the ecosystem approach. An ecosystem is all the living things, and how they interact, with each other and their environment. This work will inform future Welsh Bills.
This is a challenge which will require new thinking. We want to know whether there is an appetite for radical change and whether the suggested building blocks we propose are the right ones.
Closing date: 31 May 2012
http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/sustainingwales/?lang=en

Agenda for envecon 2012 announced

24 January 2012
The UK Network of Environmental Economists (UKNEE) has announced a draft agenda for envecon 2012: Applied Environmental Economics Conference which will take place on Friday 9th March 2012, at The Royal Society in London.
Now in its 10th year, this one-day conference will bring together environmental economists from public and private sectors, academia and consultancy to share results of recent research and discuss issues relevant to the practical application of environmental economics in the UK and elsewhere. By creating a mutual platform for those who commission work and those who undertake it, the conference aims to contribute to the effective use of environmental economics for environmental policy and management, as well as influence the research agenda.
The conference will include sessions on Climate Change Policy, Economic Valuation, Ecosystem Management, VNN Plenary, Economic Policy for Marine and Fresh Waters and Economic Appraisal.
Registration closes Friday 2th March.
Learn more on the conference website.

Online debate - Ecosystem economics – can we put a price on nature?

23 January 2012
The first in a series of online Earth Debates organised by the Natural History Museum in the run up to Rio+20 will be broadcast at 7pm on 25th January. The topic of the first debate will ecosystem economics and whether calculating the value of the natural services will be likely to promote sustainable development. Questions and comment are being sought to shape the debate which will be chaired by Richard Black of the BBC and include panellists Claire Brown, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre and UK National Ecosystem Assessment; Ian Dickie, Aldersgate Group and eftec; Will Evison, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and a Defra minster. Subsequent debates will focus on measures of progress beyond GDP; green cities in a green economy and food security.
Learn more...

Conserving biodiversity hotspots 'could bring world's poor $500bn a year'

20 January 2012
Study puts economic value on the indirect ecosystem services provided by the world's poorest people. Read more...

Event on Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services for Business: new collaboration opportunities

20 January 2012
Business has been put at the centre of the stage to deliver the sustainable economy that the Government pledges to provide in the Natural Environment White Paper.
This creates real opportunities for businesses, in terms of new markets (e.g. via Payment for Ecosystem Services/Offsets/Restoration) and new collaborations with delivery agencies and other institutions (e.g. via Nature Improvement Areas).
This one-day event, supported by professional and business bodies, will provide a forum for businesses to engage directly with some of the key researchers working in this area.
With top speakers including NCI Chair Prof. Rosie Hails, MBE, Prof. Ian Bateman (Co-Leader of the Valuing Nature Network), Prof. Dave Rafaelli (Leader of NERC’s Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Programme) and Dr Rob Bradburne of Defra, as well as key business leaders, the day will provide a mix of speakers, discussion and project-development breakout sessions.
Outcomes of the day will include:

Identification of specific areas where there are already tools that could be used or developed further by industry in collaboration with academia
Identification of common themes of interest and actions that would address these
Initiation of project developments for internship funding

The event will take place on Tuesday 13th March 2012 at the The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), 1 Carlton House Terrace, London.
To register for this free event and for full details of the day and directions to IOM3 please go to http://natural-capital.eventbrite.com

The economic invisibility of nature

[from the British Ecological Society blog]
A fusion of economics and ecology is required to properly measure and capture the value of biodiversity. That was the message of an event at Parliament organised by Biodiversity, the UK all party parliamentary group, chaired by Barry Gardiner MP, and attended by the British Ecological Society Policy Team.
Read their report here.
18 January 2012

Defra launches the Ecosystems Knowledge Network: a resource for anyone wanting to share knowledge or learn about the practical benefits of an ecosystems approach

A healthy natural environment is the foundation of a sustainable future with prospering communities.
In the UK and elsewhere, pioneering projects are exploring new ways of managing land and sea environments and the benefits people derive from them. In particular, they are reflecting an ‘ecosystems approach’: a holistic and inclusive approach to promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and taking better account of the values people hold for the environment.
A new network has been sponsored by Defra with the aim of sharing experience from projects taking an ecosystems approach. Entitled the Ecosystems Knowledge Network, it will stimulate knowledge exchange and practical learning across the country. It will assist organisations and groups to understand how an ecosystems approach can help build sustainable communities.
The Ecosystems Knowledge Network is free to join and open to anyone with an interest in an ecosystems approach. The Network will support the practical use of an ecosystems approach by:

Developing an active membership of people and organisations interested in benefiting from an ecosystems approach;
Encouraging the sharing of information and experience between projects and between experts and newcomers to the approach; and
Engaging with and involving people who might not otherwise be aware of how an ecosystems approach can benefit them.

The Natural Capital Initiatve is developing the new Network in an independent partnership involving the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Fabis Consulting, the University of Exeter (Centre for Rural Policy Research) and Countryscape.
The Network website and other communications are currently being developed.

In the meantime, for further information about the Network or to register your interest in joining, please visit http://www.naturalcapitalinitiative.org.uk/ekn
You can also contact the Network Co-ordinator by email at ekn@naturalcapitalinitiative.org.uk or telephone 0333 240 6990.
10 January 2012

Open competition: erg 1120: scoping study to develop understanding of a natural capital asset check

The following has just been advertised on DEFRA’s website Applications for the above projects must reach researchtenders@defra.gsi.gov.uk by 4:00pm on or before 27/01/2012 http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/evidence/science/research-funding/competitions/
15 December 2011

Pricing the Priceless

This report, "Pricing the Priceless, the business case for action on biodiversity", finds that protecting biodiversity and introducing new frameworks to incorporate the value of nature into decision making will be vital to safeguard long-term economic growth. http://www.aldersgategroup.org.uk/reports
15 December 2011

European Environment Agency presents new framework for ecosystem capital accounting

The European Environment Agency (EEA) published findings of an experimental project investigating simplified ecosystem capital accounts (SECA) for Europe. The purpose of ecosystem accounts is to broaden the scope of the variables taken into account in policymaking, yielding new indicators and aggregates that will be made available to policymakers and analysts to assess the efficiency of natural resource use, the pattern of economic growth, the contribution of nature and its use within and outside the market, the short- and longer-term constraints resulting from the need to maintain living and other renewable capital, and the related benefits and costs. The project aims at framing ecosystem accounts and identifying which indicators and aggregates could be delivered and integrated into enlarged national accounts. Based on the project findings, an overall framework for ecosystem capital accounting has been designed. It highlights accounting balances and relationships between accounting tables and systems as well as key indicators and aggregates that describe economy ecosystem interactions.
EEA Press release
Report: An experimental framework for ecosystem capital accounting in Europe (629kb pdf)

New publication: The Value of Green Infrastructure in Birmingham and the Black Country

This month sees the publication of a survey valuing a range of ecosystem services provided by the urban Green Infrastructure in Birmingham and the Black Country (containing the city of Wolverhampton and the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall). The pressure on the natural environment and green infrastructure in the UK, especially in urban areas, is increasing, driven for example by land use change, built development and ultimately climate change and population growth. One main aim of this research was to provide information about the wide range of ecosystem services and its value to human well-being. Another aim was to provide a best practice example within the UK applying the value transfer approach to evaluate ecosystem services. Within Birmingham and the Black Country, ecosystem services provided by woodland, heathland and wetland have been valued. Stating the best guess, 2,422 ha of Green Infrastructure provides an annual value of at least £20.8 million which results in £1.1 billion capitalised over 100 years. A detailed summary table can be found in the executive summary report. Considering the incomplete scientific evidence and partially insufficient baseline data, a wide range of ecosystem services are not included in this value. Therefore the findings can be interpreted as a minimum estimate of the total value. Because this approach is new for the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country we are very interested in constructive feedback. We are planning to develop this work further.
http://www.bbcwildlife.org.uk/valuing-green-infrastructure
13 September 2011

Making Space for Nature

The BES has published a report of the Conservation Ecology Special Interest Group’s meeting into ‘Making Space for Nature’, examining the ecological issues raised by the Lawton Review, and other current topics in nature conservation.
http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/blog/2011/08/22/bes-publishes-report-of-our-making-space-for-nature-meeting
25 August 2011

Defra publishes two reports on the valuation of ecosystem services

The value of ecosystem services provided by the UK’s wildlife and habitats has been estimated in two research reports published by Defra today. These two primary valuation research studies examine benefits people obtain from the natural environment. Using expert judgement and participatory valuation approaches, the study ‘Economic valuation of the benefits of ecosystem services delivered by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan’ estimated the value of ecosystem services delivered by different UK BAP habitats and the changes in provision of these services through biodiversity conservation measures over the next 20 years. The report on ‘The Benefits of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England and Wales’ assessed the economic value of changes in biodiversity and associated ecosystem services which will result from future policy scenarios for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The reports estimate the wildlife covered by the UK BAP and Sites of Special Scientific Interest is worth approximately £1.5 billion per year to the UK.

'The Benefits of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England and Wales'
http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/protected/nationally/sssi/.
‘Economic valuation of the benefits of ecosystem services delivered by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan’
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/biodiversity/uk/
24 August 2011

Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services

This new, ambitious biodiversity strategy for England builds on the Natural Environment White Paper and provides a comprehensive picture of how we are implementing our international and EU commitments. It sets out the strategic direction for biodiversity policy for the next decade on land (including rivers and lakes) and at sea. It builds on the successful work that has gone before, but also seeks to deliver a real step change.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/2011/08/19/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020

Initial comments from the British Ecological Society Policy Team can be found here:
http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/blog/2011/08/19/new-england-biodiversity-strategy-what-do-you-think/
24 August 2011

Defra’s White Paper tackles the Natural Choice

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs launches its White Paper "The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature today". The Natural Capital Initiative will be focusing on the detail of the policy implications in the coming days but here are a few highlights:

Natural Capital Committee – an independent body to report to the Government’s economic affairs committee chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. This body will put the value of nature at the heart of the Government’s economic thinking, and advise Government about the best way of securing our natural assets for the future.
An annual statement of green accounts for UK Plc – showing where our economy has withdrawn from the value of nature’s bank balance, and where we have invested in it. This will help measure green growth alongside GDP.
A business-led Task Force chaired by Kingfisher Group Chief Executive Officer Ian Cheshire, to expand the UK business opportunities from new products and services which are good for the economy and nature alike.
Strengthening local public health activities which connect people with nature for better health
Better urban green spaces for the benefit of cities and towns. Support for parks, gardens, and tree planting which benefit people and nature alike
More children experiencing nature by learning outdoors, through practical support to schools and reducing red-tape for outdoor learning.
Biodiversity offsetting – new way for developers to ensure we don’t lose wildlife sites and make them better by making and improving other sites.

The Society of Biology and NCI have been actively supporting policy debate around biodiversity offsetting, public health, outdoor learning, and the value of nature. Members of the Society of Biology were pleased to welcome the launch of the National Ecosystem Assessment last week at Charles Darwin House.
7 June 2011

National Treasures are Hidden

Today sees the publication of the National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) and the culmination of a joint exercise by approximately 500 experts in the natural sciences, economics and the social sciences, and including many Fellows and Members of the Society of Biology. The NEA provides an overview and unique valuation of the natural assets of the UK and looks at the changes which have occurred over the past half-century alongside assessments and predictions for the coming decades.
http://www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents/news/view/314
2 June 2011

Valuing Nature Network workshops now open for expressions of interest

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has funded the Valuing Nature Network (VNN) to develop interdisciplinary partnerships to scope, develop and promote research capacity in the valuation of ecosystems for the benefits which they deliver. VNN will be running a series of workshops on biodiversity and ecosystem service valuation in London and Nottingham in May 2011. The workshops will cover a broad range of topics associated with valuing biodiversity, ecosystem services and natural resource use and bring together researchers from disciplines such as natural science, economics and social science, as well as decision makers from the business and policy sectors. The workshops aim to create a network of people across disciplines who are engaged in the value of the natural environment. The outputs of this meeting will feed into a Town Meeting on research needs of all sectors and will be additionally useful in highlighting research priorities to funders and policymakers alike. To register your interest in attending these workshops see the Valuing Nature Network website.
http://www.valuing-nature.net/scopingworkshops
7 April 2011

Scotland's nature on the up

Woodland, freshwater, coast and urban green areas have improved in Scotland in the last decade, according to a Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) study. Scotland is the first country in the world to publish a detailed account of changes in natural capital, based on evaluating ecosystems. SNH's pilot Natural Capital Asset index is the first of its kind to take the idea of economic capital and apply it to the environment in this way. Ecosystems, such as woodlands, rivers or moorlands, provide us with numerous services, including fresh water for drinking, wild salmon and venison, carbon storage, pollination of flowering plants, oxygen production, as well as recreation such as hill walking, bird watching and just relaxing on the beach. All of these rely on our natural capital. SNH is also asking for feedback on the pilot index, which will be refined over 2011. The index, which includes details about how to provide comments, can be found at
www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B814140.pdf http://www.snh.gov.uk/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/?id=465
29 March 2011

Scotland's land use strategy

Scotland's first ever Land Use Strategy has been published, signalling a change in the way that we work together to sustain one of Scotland's 'most valuable assets'. The emphasis will be on a joined-up approach to the way we use the land, whether its for recreation, agriculture, biodiversity or living space. This new, integrated strategy, focussing on shared principles for sustainable land use, will make sure that individual policies work together for the overall benefit of Scotland. In support of the strategy an information note has also been published, explaining how decisions which affect land use can take greater account of the health of ecosystems and the services they provide. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/03/17170710
Getting the best from our land - A land use strategy for Scotland
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/17091927/0
23 March 2011

Making Space for Nature – The Ecological Challenges of the Lawton Review

BES Conservation Ecology Special Interest Group 19th April 2011 at Charles Darwin House, London The Lawton Report, “Making Space for Nature”, sets out a new strategy where wildlife habitats in England are bigger, better and more joined up. This involves a step change, from hanging on to what we have, to large-scale habitat restoration and recreation. This needs to be under-pinned by the re-establishment of ecological processes and ecosystem services, for the benefits of both people and wildlife. This meeting will explore the ecological challenges of this approach, what it will mean for ecologists, policy makers and land managers, and the research and knowledge exchange required." Booking deadline - 5th April 2011
http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/getting_involved/special_interest_groups/conservation_ecology.php
23 March 2011

POSTnote and report 370 - Environmental Limits

POSTnote 370 - Environmental Limits ( PDF 258 KB) Fourpage POSTnote, January 2011 Full POST Report 370 ( PDF 5.5 MB) One hundred and fifty-nine page report, March 2011 Natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants and animals should be used and managed within boundaries that allow the resource to renew itself. Otherwise, well-being, for present and future generations, will be impacted. This POSTnote summarises a longer POST report on environmental limits, which sets out the challenges to achieving this aim, whilst considering the complex trade-offs between social, economic and environmental objectives
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/post/
10 March 2011

New Parliamentary group will promote green farming

MPS and peers of all parties have come together to promote environmentally friendly farming as the solution to the global food security problem. The new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Agroecology attracted ‘one of the best-ever turn-outs’ for an APPG launch, according Baroness Sue Miller, one of the founding members of the group. She said the interest in the event at the Palace of Westminster reflected the importance attached to environmentally-friendly farming.

“There is no more important subject than how to feed the world without using the resource equivalent of two or three planet Earths,” Baroness Miller said. Agroecology, defined as ‘applying ecological concepts and principles to the study, design and management of sustainable agroecosystems’ is seen by some as the antidote to the model of ‘sustainable intensification’, promoted by the recent Foresight report on global food and farming. The all party group, which will meet every month that Parliament is sitting, will promote the concept within Parliament through, for example, inviting experts to brief MPs, peers ands advisers and publishing briefings on agroecological issues. It will also lobby Ministers and Shadow Ministers directly and through Early Day Motions, debates and Parliamentary Questions.
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/new-parliamentary-group-will-promote-green-farming/37482.article
9 March 2011

A living Wales

Next steps in delivering Wales’ new approach to managing its natural environment published Environment Minister Jane Davidson has outlined the next steps in plans to radically transform the way Wales manages and protects its environment, countryside and seas. Following discussions and an open consultation, plans to adopt a new ‘ecosystem approach’ have been published in a progress report on “A Living Wales”, the Welsh Assembly Government’s new framework for managing the living environment. The new approach will look at the environment as a whole and set out a much more integrated approach to managing the natural environment that improves the health of ecosystems as a whole. The Minister said: “A Living Wales outlined our proposals for an ecosystem approach to managing Wales’ living environment and I’m delighted that the consensus of the 180 consultation responses was to welcome this move."
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2011/110225environment/?lang=en
2 March 2011

Biodiversity & Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS)

Announcement of Opportunity - Programme Advisory Group Closing date: 4 March 2011 NERC is inviting applications from individuals interested in joining the Programme Advisory Group (PAG) for the Biodiversity & Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) programme he BESS programme is a planned five year £13m research programme, which aims to contribute to our understanding of the role biodiversity plays in ecosystem function and service provision.
http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/programmes/bess/events/ao2.asp
21 February 2011

Sustainable Development in the Localism Bill - one-off oral evidence session announced

The Environmental Audit Committee will take evidence from the Town and Country Planning Association; Friends of the Earth; Campaign to Protect Rural England; and representatives from the Department for Communities and Local Government. The Environmental Audit Committee is announcing a one-off evidence session on the Government’s intention to introduce a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’. This was part of the Coalition-Government’s proposal to reform the planning system but this is not included in the Bill. Instead the Government has announced that the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ will be included in a new overarching Government planning policy document, the National Planning Policy Framework, which will not be subject to Parliamentary debate. The session is open to the press and the public and will take place on Wednesday 16 February 2011
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environmental-audit-committee/news/sustainable-development-in-the-localism-bill-16-feb-11/
16 February 2011

Forests: the silent public servants

They filter and purify the air, regulate floods and stabilise soil, support wildlife and contribute to the mental and physical wellbeing of people, both those who visit them and those who appreciate their existence. The value of our forests far exceeds the value of their timber or the ground space that they occupy. They have a long service record and will not retire or draw a pension. They do require upkeep and management but we must carefully account for their full value to society in all discussions about their future. Dr Laura Bellingan, Senior Science Policy Adviser at the Society of Biology said: “The sale of under-valued or under-protected forests would not serve the public well. Biologists and others are actively involved in valuing, managing and restoring ecosystems and the services they provide. This knowledge should be used to ensure the public benefit from the land that they own. Evidence-based assessment of the full value of services provided by publicly-owned forests, as well as their potential value, is essential to inform future decisions. The ecosystem services provided by these forests should be maximised to provide sustainable public benefit in perpetuity and any decision which alters their ownership should guarantee this principle. A precautionary approach should be taken where there is doubt about future stewardship.”
http://www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents/news/view/245
1 February, 2011

The Changing Wealth of Nations: measuring sustainable development in the new millennium

Time: 6.15 pm for 6.30 pm start, close approximately 7.30 pm Location: London School of Economics, Clements House, Room D502, Aldwych “How we measure development will drive how we do development”. This is the thesis of a new book by the World Bank measuring the change in comprehensive wealth for over 100 countries from 1995 to 2005. The study finds that in 2005 natural capital (forests, farmland, minerals and energy) constituted 20-35% of the total wealth of developing countries, exceeding the share of produced capital in low income countries.

Intangible wealth, an amalgam of human and institutional capital, is by far the largest share of total wealth in virtually all countries, and growth in intangible assets over the decade accounted for nearly 100% of the increase in wealth in Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Trends in wealth creation were particularly strong in East Asia and South Asia, offset by disappointing trends in the extractive economies of Africa and Central Asia. New analysis highlights the role of intangible wealth in development and the value of accumulated stocks of carbon dioxide emitted by countries and regions.

Speaker: Kirk Hamilton is a lead economist in the Development Research Group at the World Bank, a co-author of "The Changing Wealth of Nations" (2011), "World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change," and the principal author of "Where is the Wealth of Nations?" (2006). Prior to joining the World Bank, Dr. Hamilton was a senior research fellow at the UK Centre for Social and Economic Research on the Global Environment, and Deputy Director of National Accounts for the government of Canada, where he started Canada's work on comprehensive wealth measurement. He has a PhD in economics from University College London.
www.uknee.org.uk
26 January, 2011

Call for members of the ESPA International Programme Advisory Committee (I-PAC)

Applications are invited to join the Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) International Programme Advisory Committee (I-PAC). ESPA is a highly innovative global research programme designed to provide world-class evidence on how ecosystem services can improve the lives of the world's poorest people. ESPA will invest in researchers around the world to create new knowledge, through excellent interdisciplinary research to be conducted in Africa, South Asia, China and the Amazon Basin.

The ESPA I-PAC has a crucial role in providing advice to the Directorate and ESPA's funders to ensure that the programme delivers world class science, meeting the most pressing current policy and evidence needs, and through this has the potential to improve the lives of millions of poor people around the world. I-PAC members will be world-leading researchers, opinion formers and development practitioners selected to provide ESPA with the advice it requires to ensure success. I-PAC members will be selected to ensure representation of each of the ESPA regions and to provide adequate oversight of the main research areas or approaches to be used by ESPA. Further information and guidance on how to apply can be found on http://www.esi.ac.uk/espa/about-espa/ipac

Deadline for applications is 17:00 GMT, 31 January 2011.
24 December, 2010

Valuing Nature Network

A Network for Valuing Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Natural Resource Use is being established to scope, develop and promote research capacity in the valuation of biodiversity, ecosystem services and natural resources. Sponsored by the Natural Environment Research Council, it will involve experts in the natural, social and applied sciences. The Network will bring together researchers, business, public policy representatives and civil society organisations.

An inaugural meeting in early 2011 will develop a shared understanding of the valuation challenges remaining to be addressed and refine the scope of Network. A series of ‘sand-pit’ events will initiate a more detailed and intensive exploration of specific topics, and define the scope of a series of specific research workshops. Network participants will be invited to bid for the funds to organise and take part in workshops. The Network is being led by Professor Steve Albon FRS at Macaulay Land Use Research Institute. More information, or to register for updates on Network activities, visit http://www.valuing-nature.net/
16 December, 2010

Workshop report: Addressing scientific knowledge and environmental information challenges for biodiversity offsetting in the UK

A report from the second in a series of inter-disciplinary workshops, organised by the Natural Capital Initiative, has now been published. The workshop brought together 37 participants from 29 organisations - including government, regulatory agencies, consultancy, the non-profit sector and academia - to identify the scientific and environmental information required to effectively implement biodiversity offsetting. Specific challenges addressed by workshop participants were: 1. The implications of environmental change for the longevity of offset credits 2. Opportunities and constraints of restoration ecology for the generation of credits 3. Data needs and provision 4. The contribution of offsetting towards biodiversity and landscape goals A report summarising the discussions during the workshop is available here.
1 December, 2010

Environment Minister launches Business and Biodiversity programme

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched the Business and Biodiversity Programme at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra. The programme is managed by ARENA Network, the environmental arm of Business in the Community, and sponsored by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and AES Ballylumford. The aim of the programme is to engage with Northern Ireland’s businesses, to promote biodiversity issues and increase levels of awareness of the economic value and importance of biodiversity. Speaking at the launch the Environment Minister said: “There are many challenges for businesses in understanding the economic value and importance of biodiversity and the benefits it can bring to their business."
http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/news-doe/news-doe-181110-environment-minister-launches.htm
24 November, 2010

Natural value: messages from the National Ecosystem Assessment

Defra has pulled together a number of web links and publications relating to the National Ecosystem Assessment and other projects which aim to put a value on ecosystem services Three other documents were published on 18 October alongside the NEA Key Messages:

What nature can do for you: a practical introduction to making the most of natural services, assets and resources in policy and decision making . A guide for policy makers on an ecosystems approach. This is a practical introduction to making the most of natural services, assets and resources in policy and decision making. An executive brochure for What nature can do for you has also been published.
Towards a deeper understanding of nature’s value: Encouraging an interdisciplinary approach towards evidence about the value of the natural environment . Analysis of the evidence base on the value of the natural environment
Payments for ecosystem services: a short introduction. Key definitions and broad principles for payments for ecosystems

http://sd.defra.gov.uk/2010/11/natural-value/?utm_source=email&dm_i=A78,9P64,2Z7QLF,T5B2,1
17 November, 2010

An Integrated Assessment for Countryside Survey data to investigate Ecosystem Services in Great Britain

The Countryside Survey (CS) Integrated Assessment report was published on 27 October 2010. The analysis in the report uses CS data to investigate the ecosystem services provided by the countryside. This work was led by scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) working with colleagues from CS partner organisations.
http://www.countrysidesurvey.org.uk/ia_report.html
10 November, 2010

UK needs green economics minister, advisers urge

The UK government should create a new ministerial post for green economics, an international policy group that includes MPs past and present has said. The minister would play a role similar to the Treasury chief secretary, but looking after "natural capital". The recommendation comes from Globe International, whose members include ex-Environment Secretary John Gummer - now Lord Deben - and Zac Goldsmith MP. Globe - Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment - brings together members of parliaments across the world, including major players such as China, India, Brazil and several EU nations. Its current report - the Natural Capital Action Plan - is designed to help governments implement the findings of the Teeb project, and work natural capital into their national accounting and policymaking frameworks.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11616229
31 October, 2010

World Bank to lead economic push on nature protection

The World Bank has launched a global partnership aimed at helping countries include the costs of destroying nature into their national accounts. Ten nations will take part in the pilot phase, including India and Colombia. The bank's president Robert Zoellick said environmental destruction happens partly because governments do not account for the value of nature. The new project aims to pick up conclusions of a recent UN-backed project on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (Teeb), and help governments turn them into policy.

"The groundbreaking report... has helped define the importance of biodiversity in a new way," said UK Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman. "What's absolutely clear is that we need to bring about a real change in the way we value natural capital and ecosystem services and integrate them into the mainstream of our decision-making processes."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11642538
31 October, 2010

Bank of Natural Capital

The Bank of Natural Capital is a website created to communicate the findings of The TEEB Study into The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). The TEEB Study assessed the global economic costs of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss, and recommended solutions to policy makers, administrators, businesses and individuals We have to point out that the Bank of Natural Capital does not, yet, provide either traditional or natural banking services.
http://bankofnaturalcapital.com/category/teeb-study/
31 October, 2010

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Nagoya, Japan, 20 October 2010– The economic importance of the world's natural assets is now firmly on the political radar as a result of an international assessment showcasing the enormous economic value of forests, freshwater, soils and coral reefs, as well as the social and economic costs of their loss, was the conclusion of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report launched today by TEEB study leader, Pavan Sukhdev.

"TEEB has documented not only the multi-trillion dollar importance to the global economy of the natural world, but the kinds of policy-shifts and smart market mechanisms that can embed fresh thinking in a world beset by a rising raft of multiple challenges. The good news is that many communities and countries are already seeing the potential of incorporating the value of nature into decision-making,” said Mr. Sukhdev, a banker who heads up the Green Economy Initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). He was speaking at the launch of the two-year study, which has involved hundreds of experts from around the world, at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 10th Conference of Parties meeting (CBD COP10) in Nagoya.

The report, press release and supporting materials are at:
http://www.teebweb.org
20 October, 2010

How much would you pay for planet Earth?

Putting a cash value on nature may give officials heading to a biodiversity summit the jolt they need
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20827824.600-how-much-would-you-pay-for-planet-earth.html
20 October, 2010

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (SPICe Briefing)

This briefing provides some background to the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity taking place this year, and then highlights three aspects of biodiversity. First, progress by Scotland, the UK and the EU towards meeting the target to halt the decline in biodiversity by 2010. Second, the cost of failure to protect biodiversity, and finally, the next meeting of the conference of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Japan.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/briefings-10/SB10-64.pdf
20 October, 2010

The value of nature

The first messages from the UK National Ecosystem Assessment have been published showing how valuable nature continues to be, both to our society and the economy.Government is committed to putting the value of the natural environment at the heart of decision making and has released three documents to encourage policy makers, scientists and economists to help make this happen:

What nature can do for you: A practical introduction to making the most of natural services, assets and resources in policy and decision making.
Towards a deeper understanding of nature’s value: Encouraging an interdisciplinary approach towards evidence about the value of the natural environment
Payments for ecosystem services: a short introduction

http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2010/10/18/nature/
19 October 2010

Protecting our natural capital: an EU strategy to conserve biodiversity and ensure the provision of ecosystem services by 2020

Many authoritative reports confirm that global biodiversity remains under severe threat, with losses occurring at 100 to 1000 times the normal rate. More than a third of species assessed are facing extinction and an estimated 60% of the Earth’s ecosystems have been degraded in the last 50 years. In 2001, the EU set itself the target to halt biodiversity loss in the EU by 2010. Efforts to tackle biodiversity loss were subsequently stepped up, and an EU Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was adopted by the Commission in 2006 to accelerate progress. Despite the efforts to date, however, there are clear indications that the EU has not achieved its target.

The objective of this consultation is to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders on possible policy options for the European Union's post-2010 EU biodiversity strategy, which will be assessed by the Commission as part of the process of its development. Closing date: 22 October, 2010.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/biodecline.htm
5 October, 2010

Consultation on the Scottish Government's Draft Land Use Strategy

A consultation has been launched on a strategy which sets out, for the first time, a high-level, long-term agenda for sustainable land use across Scotland. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said this was the first time that land use across Scotland has been considered in this way - setting down in one place 'our thinking on how we manage our valuable resources so as to maximise the benefits on an ongoing basis'. The consultation proposes three strategic objectives:

Successful land-based businesses contributing to Scotland's prosperity and wellbeing
Flourishing natural environments delivering the widest range of benefits to Scotland, and playing their part in mitigating global climate change
Vibrant, sustainable communities in urban and rural areas, with people connected to the land, enjoying it and taking an interest in its future

The Scottish Government is also consulting until 25 October 2010 on Speak Up for Rural Scotland - how to maximise rural Scotland's contribution to sustainable economic growth. We will consider responses to both consultations to offer a consistent approach to shaping the future of land use and of rural Scotland. Closing date: 17 December 2010
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/09/23141902
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Countryside/Landusestrategy