This volume, part of the landmark study into The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) led by Pavan Sukhdev, has drawn on the expertise of over 100 authors, contributors and reviewers from across the globe. Edited by Patrick ten Brink of IEEP, the book:

• Outlines the rationale for urgent action, looking at the ecological, economic and social values at risk
• Explains the mechanisms and instruments by which incentives can be developed to enhance biodiversity
• Presents a rich evidence base of policies in use around the world and a wide range of innovative solutions
• Addresses key challenges for policy makers – sustainable fisheries, halting deforestation, avoiding coral reef degradation, safeguarding key species and habitats
• Underlines the synergies between policies for biodiversity and policies addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, water and food security, natural hazards, and poverty
• Shows that the costs of sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services is lower than the cost of losing them
• Presents practical steps for transforming our approach to natural capital - the way forward.

IEEP is proud to have been instrumental in the TEEB work, with Patrick’s role as coordinator of the TEEB for Policy Makers process and editor of this book, complemented by Marianne Kettunen’s role as coordinating lead author of the Protected Areas chapter. Graham Tucker, Sonja Gantioler, Andrew J. McConville, Samuela Bassi and Clare Shine (IEEP Associate) contributed as lead authors and Sirini Withana, Jonathan Armstrong and Leonardo Mazza as contributing authors - covering biodiversity and ecosystem service indicators, environmental accounts, valuation and assessment, payments for ecosystem services, green public procurement, markets for certified products, subsidy reform, fiscal reform, regulatory responses, the value of nature and paths to a resource efficient, equitable and green economy.

We have also been honoured to work with the many leading experts from across the world whose contributions ranged from coordinating chapters to providing invaluable case examples illustrating practical applications of valuation and policy responses to the value of nature.

Order a copy of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity in National and International Policy Making.
For more information on other books in the TEEB series.

‘This work is a landmark. It shows not only that we have been extraordinarily wasteful, destructive and inefficient in our treatment of the natural environment but also how careful analysis and measurement can help us change our ways towards a more productive and responsible relationship with our environment. It provides a fundamental contribution which shows how careful attention to ecosystems and biodiversity can help guide our response to the two defining challenges of our century: managing climate change and overcoming poverty.’
Professor Nicholas Stern, London School of Economics

‘We need to understand the true cost of losing what nature gives us for free, and integrate this into our decision making across government, business and society. At the national and international level TEEB for Policy Makers helps us think about how this can be done’
Caroline Spelman, MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK.

‘A very important and timely book, and an invaluable resource for assisting countries in implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020, adopted by consensus at the 2010 world biodiversity summit in Japan.’
Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity