13 November 2009: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative released its report for national and international policy makers, calling for acceleration of investments in management and restoration of ecosystems.
The report highlights opportunities for climate change mitigation and adaptation through investment in natural capital. The report notes that focusing mitigation efforts on halting deforestation and forest degradation may be a cost-effective solution to address both climate change and biodiversity loss. It also calls for investment in maintenance of “ecological infrastructure,” like coral reefs, mangroves and wetlands, which reduce negative impacts of natural hazards related to climate change. TEEB is supported by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the European Commission, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. [UNEP Press Release][TEEB Website]