ABSTRACT
Ecosystems and their biodiversity underpin the global economy, society and human wellbeing. They need to be valued and protected. The world’s natural capital is not a luxury for the rich but a necessity for all. The value of nature has long been overlooked in economic signals, policy instruments, public investments and national accounts. This has contributed to unprecedented erosion of natural capital, causing economic loss and social hardship and undermining prospects for long-term prosperity and quality of life. Now, however, awareness of these many values is growing and policy makers are beginning to change their approach to natural capital.
