The Natural Capital ProjectIncorporating ecosystem services in

decisions

NatCap’s mission

The Natural Capital Project aims to integrate ecosystem services approaches into all major resource decisions that affect Earth’s natural resources. Our ultimate objective is to improve the state of biodiversity and human well-being by motivating greater and more cost-effective investments in both.

NatCap’s theory of change• Develop and apply a credible ecosystem service

approach to support decision makers with dual development and conservation goals;

• Learn what works, train users, and disseminate useful approaches and lessons;

• Create an informed community of leaders and practitioners who will enable large-scale policy changes

Highlights• Tested and refined our ecosystem services approach

in over 20 demonstrations around the world– informed land-use and marine spatial plans,

– prioritized investments for watershed services,

– designed oyster reef restoration for coastal services,

– conducted impact and mitigation assessment for mining activities & roads,

– informed corporate practices

• Trained over 1,000 new users in our approach & tools

• Created an open-source accounting tool (InVEST suite) (currently at >500 downloads/month)

• Supporting programs and ‘valuing nature’ strategies of NGO partners

How NatCap Works

Core Science

Sites

S

S S

S S

SS

SS

S

C CM

R

DD

PP P P

P

Ruckelshaus et al. in review

The Natural Capital ProjectIncorporating ecosystem services in decisions

Spatial Planning

Climate Adaptation Planning(PES) Payment for Ecosystem Services

Development Impacts and PermittingRestoration Planning

Corporate Risk Management

How NatCap WorksCore ScienceSites

Standardizing

Training

Aligning thinkingSpecialized tools

StandardsCommunity of practice

‘[NatCap] is where the future comes to rehearse’--E. Koch, former NYC mayor

NatCap annual meeting & training

•share stories & lessons of using ecosystem services in practice (panel, talks, posters)

•learn about NatCap approach and InVEST tool suite (break out sessions, sandbox)

•get feedback about what tool capacity you need

Social time!

• Poster session and drinks tonight• Lunches, dinner