Why natural capital?

The concept of natural capital provides a way to understand the value nature provides and our dependence on it.

This is similar to the way we understand other forms of capital, such as financial. As we see with the climate crises, much of this capital, such as fresh water, forests and biodiversity, is being depleted at an alarming rate—our current economic systems treat nature’s services as externalities.

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With an estimated one million species facing extinction worldwide, Irish habitats in poor condition and the Covid-19 pandemic casting a spotlight on the health-related implications of habitat destruction, experts warn human-caused changes to nature and biodiversity loss pose as much of a threat to our planet as climate change - and with healthy ecosystems and habitats needed for climate regulation and carbon storage, the two issues are closely interlinked.

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As part of NCI's mission, we aim to value, protect and restore Ireland’s natural capital and ecosystem services and recognise their vast economic and social value. Natural capital accounting is a tool used in support of this mission, but not the solution in itself.

Legislators and other leaders are increasingly incorporating natural capital into their decision-making.

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2021's Dasgupta Review made it clear that we depend on natural capital, with numerous mentions including this excerpt:

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"Large-scale and widespread investment in Nature-based Solutions would help us to address biodiversity loss and significantly contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, not to mention wider economic benefits, including creating jobs."

Explainer videos

Want to learn more?

NCI is launching its first certification programme for those wanting to strengthen their practical knowledge on natural capital, natural capital accounting and ecosystem services.

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This is part of our mission to build capacity and awareness on natural capital. 

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