News and Opinion

Businesses and financial Institutions increasingly need high quality and relevant natural capital data. This is mainly driven by a growing awareness of risks related to ecosystem degradation as well as by the rapidly changing regulatory framework on external disclosure of corporate natural capital performance.

We Value Nature seeks to support businesses and the natural capital community to make valuing nature normal for businesses across Europe. At times, this mission attracts concern due to the perceived risk that business may perversely apply natural capital accounting to justify damage to species and eco-systems.

A unique new online business course developed by the Capitals Coalition supported by We Value Nature has launched. 

The free course, ‘Valuing nature and people to inform business decision-making', comes in response to an increased demand from businesses and the finance sector for the knowledge and skills to apply natural capital assessments and a capitals approach. 

Biodiversity is an integral part of natural capital and underpins the important goods and services that natural capital generates. It encapsulates the variety of life, including animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form and the habitats they live in. Higher levels of biodiversity equate to a greater quantity and quality of ecosystems goods and services, and are more resilient to change.

The valuing nature movement is gaining momentum with new initiatives, accounting standards, business commitments and policy changes all driving change. We launched We Value Nature in November 2018 and just some of the developments we’ve seen over the previous three years are:

The We Value Nature campaign and the Capitals Coalition are developing a free, online business training course focusing on valuing nature and people.

Businesses that value nature and people benefit from improved risk management, new business and investment opportunities, enhanced stakeholder engagement and anticipation of future legislation.

We are delighted to publish five new testimonial videos showcasing five companies’ natural capital journeys.

Businesses that understand the true value of nature can benefit from improved risk management, new business opportunities, improved communication with investors, enhanced stakeholder engagement and anticipation of future legislation.

The value of nature for the Food & Beverage industry

Natural capital is key for the functioning of many businesses but is particularly relevant for those operating in the Food & Beverage industry which directly impacts and depends on the services and resources provided by nature.

There has never been a better time for businesses to assess their impacts and dependencies on nature. Through understanding and considering the risks and opportunities created by nature, businesses can make better decisions that benefit themselves, society and the planet as a whole.

However, when it comes to applying natural capital approaches, companies often don’t know where and how to get started.

Across the world, sustainability is being pushed to the forefront of the global agenda. In response, it is vital for the private sector to reflect on its relationship with natural capital, specifically its impacts and dependencies. Doing so will be necessary, not only for protecting our planet and positively contributing to global climate and biodiversity targets, but also in managing the numerous risks and opportunities that businesses are exposed to.