Empowering Stakeholders and Decision Makers with Natural Capital Information

People depend on nature to sustain and fulfill human life, yet the values of nature are typically ignored in decisions. Mapping and modeling ecosystem services can help highlight the diverse benefits provided to people by nature (what and where) and explore how those benefits might change under different management options--thus bringing information about nature's values into decisions in practical ways. 

The Natural Capital Project develops science-based approaches and tools to collaborate with decision-makers and provide the information they need to make informed development decisions while strengthening local capacity to create and use natural capital information.  Gregg will share real-life examples highlighting key methods and tools used in our coastal-marine engagements.  Case studies include statewide prioritization of nature-based adaptation strategies in coastal California, identifying areas for mangrove protection and restoration in the Ca Mau province of Vietnam, and coastal zone management in the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. 

Speaker:  Gregg Verutes, Stanford University