Valuing the natural environment

The National Ecosystems Assessment is the first study of its kind to use an ecosystems approach to valuing the natural environment; the new study outlines the benefits the natural environment provides to society and ongoing economic prosperity. The findings are expected to play a key role in the development of the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper, due to be published later this year. The independent study, which received government funding, seeks to understand and quantify the value of the natural environment beyond pure commercial value, by taking into account a fuller array of ecosystem services. It is thought that through a more comprehensive understanding of the value of the natural environment and the assets it provides, the true value can be better taken into account in the decision making process for both business and Government. Speaking about the new report Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, The Rt. Hon Caroline Spelman said, “The UK National Ecosystem Assessment is a vital step forward in our ability to understand the true value of nature and how to sustain the benefits it gives us.”