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The Natural Capital Primer: your ultimate guide to understanding natural capital and its importance.
‘Natural capital’ has become a buzzword in global initiatives and sustainability frameworks. But what exactly is natural capital, and why is it so important?
The term capital is used because, a bit like financial capital, nature is an asset that sustains society and drives economic growth. Yet, unlike financial capital, natural capital cannot simply be replenished — it can be lost forever if mismanaged.
Why natural capital matters.
The importance of natural capital cannot be overstated. A staggering 55% of global GDP directly depends on natural assets and the ecosystem services they provide. These include everything from agriculture and fisheries to tourism and clean energy.
Understanding and managing natural capital can help us work towards a more sustainable planet, support biodiversity conservation, and build climate resilience. Natural capital provides a basis for making more informed resource use and conservation decisions.
Decoding natural capital.
For many, the concept of natural capital can feel complex and abstract. Terms like ecosystem services, natural capital assets and biodiversity can be daunting. This is why we’ve developed the Natural Capital Primer — to provide a clear, engaging, and practical introduction to natural capital, empowering individuals and businesses to make informed decisions about nature’s role in their lives and operations. The Primer is built to encourage a positive change in how we view and manage natural capital.
Introducing the Natural Capital Primer.
Recognizing the need for accessible information on natural capital, Macdoch Foundation and La Trobe University together envisioned an interactive learning tool that would break down key concepts, elements, and dependencies on natural capital in accessible language. The aim is to spread knowledge about natural capital across the globe and shift people’s attitudes towards nature.
Bringing the primer to life.
Partnering with Vizzuality, the team transformed the science of natural capital into an engaging digital experience. Our approach blended three essential components:
Our approach focused on three key areas:
- Simplifying complex concepts: Working closely with science, content, and design teams, we divided intricate topics into clear and concise explanations, ensuring accessibility without compromising scientific accuracy.
- Immersive digital storytelling: We created an interactive experience using a blend of visuals, audio, and interactive elements. Features like ‘Industry Use Cases’ and ‘A Day in the Life’ demonstrate how natural capital directly impacts businesses and everyday life.
- Business impacts: The Primer highlights how industries rely on natural assets and ecosystems, showing both business operations’ positive and negative impacts. Understanding these connections helps guide more sustainable business practices.
Empowering action through knowledge.
The ultimate goal of the Natural Capital Primer is to empower users with knowledge that can drive action. By breaking down complex concepts and illustrating their real-world applications, we aim to help users understand what natural capital is, why it matters, and how it can contribute to its preservation.
Whether you’re a business leader seeking sustainable strategies, a policymaker crafting environmental regulations, or simply someone curious about how nature supports life as we know it, the Primer offers a practical resource for driving change.
Looking ahead.
Launching the Natural Capital Primer is just the beginning. As awareness of natural capital grows, we hope to see more businesses, policymakers, and individuals make informed decisions that benefit both people and the planet.
Ready to learn more? Visit Natural Capital Primer today and join us in recognizing, protecting, and nurturing the natural systems that sustain life for all.
