The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity study (TEEB) is synthesizing information on the economics of conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, attempting to do for Biodiversity what the Stern report has done for climate change.
The study is drawing on expertise from around the world to evaluate the costs of the loss of biodiversity and the associated decline in ecosystem services worldwide, and to compare them with the costs of effective conservation and sustainable use. The intent of the study is to sharpen awareness of the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services and facilitate the development of effective policy, as well as engaged business and citizen responses.
Their report for policy maker was released in Nov 2009, they write that it:
underlines the urgency of action, as well as the benefits and opportunities that will arise as a result of taking such action. The report shows that the cost of sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services is lower than the cost of allowing biodiversity and ecosystem services to dwindle. It demonstrates how we can take into account the value of ecosystems and biodiversity in policy decisions and identify and support solutions, new instruments, and wider use of existing tool in order to pioneer a way forward. In so doing, the report addresses the needs of policy-makers and those in the policy-making process.
TEEB for Policy Makers Summary document
- The global biodiversity crisis and related policy challenge
- Framework and guiding principles for the policy response
- Strengthening indicators and accounting systems for natural capital
- Integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into policy assessment
- Rewarding benefits through payments and markets
- Reforming subsidies
- Addressing losses through regulation and pricing
- Recognising the value of protected areas
- Investing in ecological infrastructure
- Responding to the value of nature