There is increasing recognition that natural capital underpins all economic activity, as well as our health and wellbeing. Safeguarding our natural assets is central to ensure availability of essential services in the future, and Government has recently committed to develop a 25 year plan to invest in nature. But how do we decide where and how to make investments in our natural environment, and how do we measure our progress when it comes to the state of our natural capital assets?

Systematic monitoring of natural assets has been identified as a major challenge by the Natural Capital Committee as well as Government. At the same time, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) attempts to integrate natural capital into national accounts, and businesses are increasingly interested in natural capital accounting. NCIs next event will focus on bringing together existing efforts in addressing the challenges around natural capital monitoring, data availability and data needs. With a first in a series of events on the topic, we aim to initiate and facilitate on-going dialogue between key academic, policy and business decision-makers to find shared solutions and innovative approaches to monitoring natural capital in the UK.

On 8th January 2016 from 8:30 to 10:30 am we will discuss how a common framework for monitoring natural capital could look like. Chaired by Prof Rosie Hails, Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), and member of the first Natural Capital Committee, three speakers from across the sectors will discuss how research, policy and business can support progress on natural capital monitoring and accounting despite existing gaps, and who should be involved in this process.

Confirmed speakers are:
Prof Georgina Mace, Professor of Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Head of the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research at University College London, and member of the first Natural Capital Committee
Mark Gough, Executive Director of the Natural Capital Coalition
Joe Grice, Chief Economist at the Office of National Statistics (ONS)

A Q&A session following the talks will provide the audience with the opportunity to identify issues and potential solutions and debate these with the panel of speakers.

This event is open to anyone interested in advancing natural capital monitoring in the UK but spaces are limited. If you like to join us for informal networking over breakfast and contribute to the discussion, secure your ticket on Eventbrite now.

 

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