Press Release - The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity in National and International Policy Making Addressing the Challenges for Policy Makers

Earthscan, London - The invisibility of nature's contribution to the creation of wealth and wellbeing has contributed to the degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity; The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity in National and International Policy Making, now available from Earthscan, is an inspirational source of information and case studies that show how the value of nature can be made visible and brought into the mainstream.

This volume, part of the landmark study into The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) has drawn on the expertise of over 100 authors, contributors and reviewers from across the globe and is edited by Patrick ten Brink of IEEP.  The TEEB study is led by Pavan Sukhdev. The book:

• Outlines the rationale for urgent action, looking at the ecological, economic and social values at risk
• Explains the mechanisms and instruments by which incentives can be developed to enhance biodiversity
• Presents a rich evidence base of policies in use around the world and a wide range of innovative solutions
• Addresses key challenges for policy makers - sustainable fisheries, halting deforestation, avoiding coral reef degradation, safeguarding key species and habitats
• Underlines the synergies between policies for biodiversity and policies addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, water and food security, natural hazards, and poverty
• Shows that the costs of sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services is lower than the cost of losing them

At the recent CBD COP-10 in Nagoya the World Bank, together with UNEP, announced plans for a project to incorporate this ‘Natural Capital' into national accounts, demonstrating the traction of TEEB . Countries including India, Brazil and the Netherlands are leading the way with plans for their own national studies to help integrate the value of ecosystem services into their respective policy making frameworks. 

'This work is a landmark. It shows not only that we have been extraordinarily wasteful, destructive and inefficient in our treatment of the natural environment but also how careful analysis and measurement can help us change our ways towards a more productive and responsible relationship with our environment. It provides a fundamental contribution which shows how careful attention to ecosystems and biodiversity can help guide our response to the two defining challenges of our century: managing climate change and overcoming poverty.'

                                                      Professor Nicholas Stern, London School of Economics

For more information on this book and other volumes from the TEEB collection please see our TEEB homepage. 

On 7^th April we will be hosting a free online webinar on the TEEB findings, presented by Patrick ten Brink and Pushpam Kumar (Editor of TEEB Foundations). For more information please visit our Earthcasts page. To register for this free event please click here. This webinar is aimed at policy makers, professionals, NGOs, students and researchers in biodiversity conservation, ecology and applied economics.

Press Contact: Rachel Butler
rachel.butler@earthscan.co.uk 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7841 1950

Please get in touch with Rachel.Butler@Earthscan.co.uk if you would like to arrange a review of the book or wish to discuss interviews with members of the TEEB project.