The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) study is a major international initiative to draw attention to the global economic benefits of biodiversity, to highlight the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, and to draw together expertise from the fields of science, economics and policy to enable practical actions moving forward.

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TEEB Story of the week

Tourism more valuable than fisheries: how the Maldives decided to ban shark fishing

White sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and world-class diving are probably pictures we all have in mind about the Maldives. Diving with sharks, and especially whale sharks (picture), attract tourists from all over the world to these remote Indian Ocean atolls and has helped to make them one of the top destinations for diving in the world.

A valuation study recently revealed that gray reef sharks were valued at US$ 3,300/year per individual to the tourism industry in contrast to US$ 32 for a single catch. The study determined that protection was in the best economic interest of the country and, using the results to inform their protection measures, the Republic of Maldives is the second nation after Palau to announce blanket protection for sharks. Beginning July 1 2010, a total ban on exports was declared.

MAINSTREAMING THE ECONOMICS OF NATURE: investment in natural capital can create and safeguard jobs and underpin economic development.

What are ecosystems doing for us… for free?

	Cultural Service: Tourism
	Provisioning food

in TEEB for Local and Regional Policy makers

A TEEB Oceans Discussion paper was released at the World Oceans Summit last February, you can download it here
The detailed case study
A recent study in Fiji - The Socio-Economic Value of the Shark-Diving in Fiji: Conservation Measures Poised to Be Economic Driver

TEEB for Citizens

TEEB launched the Bank of Natural Capital, a website designed to communicate the TEEB Study findings to citizens.

Visit it here: http://bankofnaturalcapital.com

TEEBcase Collection

The EEA has prepared an interactive map to present the TEEB cases on local and regional scale. Find the application here.

Earthscan has published the final volume in a series on the influential study into The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). This Earthscan volume builds extensively on the original TEEB report and aims to show that by taking nature's benefits into account, decision makers can promote local development to ensure human well-being and economic growth and stability, while maintaining environmental sustainability. For further information click here.
20% Special Rio+20 DISCOUNT – purchase any volume of TEEB books at discount rate, download info here.